The tradition of Eight Bells pays respect to deceased mariners and signifies that a sailor's “watch” is over.

The practice dates back to the days of the sailing ships, when sailors couldn't afford to have their own time pieces and relied on the ship's bells to tell time. The ship's boy kept time by using a half-hour glass. Each time the sand ran out, he would turn the glass over and ring the appropriate number of bells. Each ship “watch” is four hours, or eight bells, in length.

Submissions for Eight Bells

If you learn of the passing of a MMA classmate, associate, friend or family member, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations so that we may include the information in our Eight Bells listings. Send obituaries or their digital links to alumni@mma.edu.

• Kenneth P. Oldham ’56

  Deceased date: August 16, 2024
  Kenneth P. Oldham, age 89, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2024. Ken was born in Lewiston, Maine on January 3, 1935, the son of the late Perley and Cora (Blanchard) Oldham. He graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn, ME and attended Maine …read more

• Paul A. Gregware ’49

  Deceased date: August 11, 2024
  Paul Gregware, aged 96, entered Eternal Life on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Born with a spirit that embraced adventure, Paul was one of only two remaining graduates from the Maine Maritime Academy's class of 1949, a proud member of a cohort of 48 who perseve…read more

• Bruce A. Jordan ’68

  Deceased date: August 1, 2024
  Bruce Alton Jordan, born on October 16, 1946, in Bar Harbor, Maine, passed away on August 1, 2024. Bruce graduated from Maine Maritime Academy as a marine engineer. He began his career shipping out as a third and second engineer with Gulf Oil. Later, he …read more

• Jeffrey R. Bartlett ’78

  Deceased date: July 20, 2024
  Jeffrey R. Bartlett, 68, passed away at his home on Saturday, July 20. Jeffrey was born on March 1, 1956 to Edward L. and Joan G. Bartlett in Newburyport, MA. Jeff graduated from Calais High School in 1974. He continued his education at Maine Maritime …read more

• S. Robert Silverton ’89

  Deceased date: July 8, 2024
  S. Robert Silverton, 90, passed away Monday July 8th. Born in New York City, he was raised in Springfield, MA. Bob received a B.A. from Lehigh University, an MBA from WNEU, and a Masters of Science from Maine Maritime Academy. He served in the Army in the…read more

• John “Jack” K. Harrigan ’64

  Deceased date: July 3, 2024
  John (Jack) Kevin Harrigan age 81, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2024. Jack was born on March 26, 1943, in Salem, MA to Dr. Francis and Josephine Harrigan. He attended Salem High School, graduated from the Maine Maritime Academy with a Bachelor of …read more

• Mark M. Caron ’91

  Deceased date: July 3, 2024
  Michael M. Caron, 55, of Ledgewood, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at his home. He was born in Lewiston, Maine, to Maurice and Kathleen Caron. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1987 and Maine Maritime Academy in 1991. He served as a Chie…read more

• Dale W. Lindsey ’47

  Deceased date: June 27, 2024
  Dale W. Lindsey ’47 died on June 27, 2024. He was ninety-seven. Dale was born and grew up in Rockland Maine. Summer work at Snow’s Shipyard, an interest in boat building, and World War II led him to Maine Maritime Academy. Following graduation, he…read more

• Herbert E. Molke ’53

  Deceased date: June 20, 2024
  Herbert Ernest Molke, 93, of West Milford, N.J., passed away peacefully on June 20, 2024, at his High Crest Lake home. Herb lived in High Crest with his wife Johanne for 62 years. Born and raised in New Milford, he graduated Hackensack High School in 19…read more

• Philip J. Pelletier ’83

  Deceased date: June 14, 2024

  Philip Jude Pelletier, 63, of Hampton, New Hampshire, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Friday, June 14, 2024, due to complications related to Parkinson’s Disease.

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