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.

• Capt. Osborne N. Ellis ’47

  Deceased date: October 28, 2019
  BRUNSWICK – Osborne N. Ellis, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 28, 2019, in Brunswick. He was born in Waterville on May 12, 1927, to Frank B. Ellis and Erla Edwards Ellis. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1944, Maine Maritime Academy…read more

• Duane E. Hjulstrom ’60

  Deceased date: October 13, 2019
  Duane Hjulstrom, 80, of Claremont, NH, died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, after a lengthy struggle with lung disease. He was born in Presque Isle, Maine, the son of Thelma Ellis and Guy Hjulstrom.  He was a 1957 graduate of Presque Isle High School where he …read more

• Eugene V. Gendron ’50

  Deceased date: October 2, 2019
  Eugene V. Gendron, 91, of Biddeford, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening Oct. 2, 2019, at home. He was born in Pembroke, N.H. on April 22, 1928, a son of Henry and Marie Louise (Letendre) Gendron. Gene was a graduate of Biddeford High School, class …read more

• Robert B. Lessels ’50

  Deceased date: October 2, 2019
  Robert B. Lessels, 89, died October 2, 2019. He was born December 5, 1929 in Concord, NH. The son of Clarence and Marjorie (Hammond) Lessels. Robert graduated from Concord High School in 1947. Following high school, he attended Maine Maritime Academy in …read more

• Mr. Frank E. Hall ’43-2

  Deceased date: October 1, 2019
  Frank E. Hall of Randolph, Maine passed away October 1, 2019 at the age of 97. Frank was born, raised, and educated in Milo, ME. He graduated from Maine Maritime in 1943 and was a retired Captain in the Merchant Marine. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed h…read more

• Robert S. Walker ’53

  Deceased date: September 24, 2019
  Robert “Bob” Walker, Sr., 86, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on September 24, 2019. Bob was born in Skowhegan, Maine, graduated from Maine Maritime Academy, served as a U.S. Merchant Marine and was a U. S. Navy veteran. Bob then work…read more

• John I. Smallidge ’54

  Deceased date: September 21, 2019
  At the bountiful age of 87, John Irving Smallidge passed away Sept. 21, at home with his family in East Lyme. He is predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Doris Scarvalone Smallidge. He is survived by his four sons, their wives and children - Michae…read more

• Fred P. Trafton ’45

  Deceased date: September 11, 2019
  Fred P. Trafton, 93, died peacefully with family on Sept. 11, 2019. Fred was born in Gardiner, Maine, the son of Josephine (Smithread more

• Bryant L. Hopkins, Jr. ’46

  Deceased date: August 19, 2019
  Bryant L. Hopkins, Jr. became one with the Lord on August 19, 2019 at the home of his daughter in Richmond, Virginia after a protracted battle with several health issues. Known as Bud to his family, Bryant was born on August 13, 1926 in Waterville, Maine…read more

• Christopher A. Daley (Riel) ’93

  Deceased date: August 16, 2019
  Christopher Daley (Riel), 49, of Biddeford, Maine, died unexpectedly on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 He was a Portsmouth High School graduate of 1988 and a Maine Maritime graduate of 1993. After graduating college, he spent some time in the Navy reserves. He …read more