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.

• James V. Weast ’67

  Deceased date: February 22, 2024

  James V. Weast (Jim), 78, of Easley, SC, peacefully passed away on February 22nd after a long series of health issues. Born in Bar Harbor, Maine to Dr. John J. and Ruth Bean Weast, J…read more

• Joseph M. Poltrack ’88

  Deceased date: February 17, 2024
  Joseph M Poltrack Jr., 80, of Winterport Maine, passed away on February 17, 2024, at St Joseph Hospital in Bangor Maine, after a short illness. His loss was completely unexpected by his friends and family. Joe, as he was known, was born on December 15, 1…read more

• Joseph E. Vail ’80

  Deceased date: February 15, 2024
  GORHAM- Joseph Edward Vail, 65, passed away at his home in Gorham, surrounded by his loving family, on February 15th after a courageous battle with cancer. Joe was born on June 3, 1958, in Portland, Maine to Barbara (Foley) and Richard Vail. Joe grew u…read more

• John R. Anderson ’84

  Deceased date: February 14, 2024
  John Robert Anderson, Jr, 61, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. John was born on September 15, 1962 in Portland; he was the son of the late John Robert Anderson Sr. and the late Carolyn (Maslen) Anderson. John, affectionately kn…read more

• Capt. John H. Wibby ’54

  Deceased date: February 14, 2024
  On February 14, 2024 John Henry Wibby, Jr. passed away at the Gosnell House after a brief and difficult battle with cancer. Jack was 91. During his illness, he was well cared for by the staff of the MMC Oncology Floor. We would like to thank all of the ca…read more

• Thomas Rush III ’64

  Deceased date: February 10, 2024
  Bar Harbor - Thomas Rush III, 82, died February 10, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. They are deeply saddened by the loss of their husband, dad, and papa. Tom was born July 18, 1941, in Weymouth, MA…read more

• Capt. William K. Banks USN(Ret.) ’56

  Deceased date: January 13, 2024
  Captain William Kenneth Banks, 89, passed away on January 13, 2024. He was born on August 12, 1934. William attended Bangor High School and Maine Maritime Academy. He served in the United States Navy.…read more

• Neal P. McPhee ’65

  Deceased date: December 25, 2023

  Neal Perley “Nick” McPhee, age 83, passed away Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2023.

  Born Nov. 10, 1940 in Boothbay, Maine, Nick was part of a long legacy of Boothbay families. His grandfather, Perley “Pearl” McPhee was …read more

• Gregory D. Hall ’81

  Deceased date: December 20, 2023
  BELFAST — The family of Gregory Daniel Hall, 64, regrets to announce his untimely passing on Dec. 20, 2023, at his home.

  Greg was born on March 16, 1959, in Belfast to Da…read more

• Glenn A. Gould ’72

  Deceased date: December 18, 2023
  Glenn Alan Gould passed away after a long illness on December 18, 2023 in Suffield, Conn. Glenn was born August 8th, 1949, in Boston, Mass. to John and Grace (Manes) Gould. He was the youngest of four children. Glenn was known for his athleticism. He was …read more