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.

• Paul E. Haney ’70

  Deceased date: March 25, 2017
  Paul E. Haney ‘70 died March 25, 2017 in Tavares, FL. He graduated from MMA with a degree in Nautical Science and his Third Mate’s Unlimited License. Paul began his long career in the Merchant Marine with EXXON.  However, when his children were very…read more

• Capt. Thomas C. von Haas ’75

  Deceased date: March 20, 2017
  Capt. Thomas C. von Haas, 65, of Summit, NJ, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2017. Born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Thom had lived in Summit for the last 26 years. A proud Eagle Scout, Thom was also a member of the Elks Lodge #1246 and Americ…read more

• Cmdr. Arthur E. Lapham ’53

  Deceased date: March 15, 2017

  DURHAM – Arthur E. Lapham, 84, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2017 in Durham. Mr. Lapham was born in Winthrop, Maine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edith Marion Chapman Lapham and Leslie Ellis Lapham; and a brother, Leslie Laph…read more

• John V. Sawyer II ’54

  Deceased date: March 9, 2017
  JONESPORT - John V. Sawyer, II, 83, died March 9, 2017, in Machias. He was born October 3, 1933, in Bangor, to Daniel J. and Evelyn (Wind) Sawyer. John graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1954, sailed for a short time on an oil tanker and served two…read more

• Capt. Shirley H. Holt III ’53

  Deceased date: March 1, 2017
  NORTH HAMPTON - Capt. Shirley H. Holt III., 84, of Hickory Ave., in North Hampton, died on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Shirley was born in Kittery on November 11, 1932 a son of the late Capt. Shirley H. Holt Jr.…read more

• Frederick Leone ’43-2

  Deceased date: February 12, 2017
  PORTLAND - Frederick Leone, 92, formerly of 731 Washington Ave., died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, at his home in Portland with his family by his side. He was born in Portland, May 13, 1924, the son of Loretto and Mar…read more

• Robert E. Cort ’53

  Deceased date: January 30, 2017
  Robert E. Cort, 84, died peacefully January 25, 2017, at the age of 84. He was born June 21, 1932, in Bangor. Bob graduated from Brewer HS and attended Maine Maritime Academy the following year, where he earned his Marine Engineering degree in 1953. He e…read more

• James A. Beal ’65

  Deceased date: January 27, 2017
  Jim Beal of Highland, Michigan died on January 27, 2017.  After graduating from Falmouth High School in 1961, he went on to graduate from MMA.  He was commissioned into the Navy upon graduation and retired from the Naval Reserve after 26 years as a Capt…read more

• Patrick K. Wreh ’86

  Deceased date: January 22, 2017
  With deep sadness and broken hearts, The Wreh, Togba, and Krangar families announce with profound sorrow, the untimely death of Mr. Patrick Kla Wreh. Patutu, P-Kla, as he was affectionately called, departed this life peacefully, surrounded by his family a…read more

• John A. Grard ’75

  Deceased date: January 14, 2017
  John Grard, 64, of Winslow, Maine, Merrimack, NH, and Sebring, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at his home in Florida. John was born on Feb. 20, 1952, and was the only son of the late Fred and Mary (Collins) Grard. He married hi…read more