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.

• Patrick D. Welch ’92

  Deceased date: February 12, 2025
  After battling heart issues for over 10 years, Patrick passed on February 12, 2025, from complications of heart and kidney transplants brought on by giant cell myocarditis. Pat was born in Presque Isle, ME, to John and Cathie (Glackin) Welch, and was the …read more

• Peter A. Kurtin ’83

  Deceased date: February 11, 2025
  Peter A. Kurtin '83 passed away on February 18, 2025 at his home in Oakdale, Conn., after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer. Peter grew up in the seaside towns of Connecticut where he formed interests that led to an acceptance at Maine Maritime Aca…read more

• Chester F. Fossett ’50

  Deceased date: January 26, 2025

  Chester Frederick Fossett, 94, died on Jan. 26, 2025 at St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor.

  He was the son of Frederick Miller Fossett and Floretta ”Toat” Chester Eme…read more

• Richard B. Cratty ’53

  Deceased date: January 16, 2025
  Richard B. Cratty passed away on January 16, 2025. Richard "Dick" was born in Bangor, Maine, at the Bangor General Hospital, to parents Reginald and Mary Cratty. Dick attended grammar school in Bangor. He then attended Admiral Farragut Naval Academy Prep …read more

• Donald E. Wright ’55

  Deceased date: January 11, 2025
  Donald Erwin Wright, 90, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025. Donald was an officer in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Lafayette County (LST-859). While in the Navy, he met the love of his life, LTJG Mary Grace Sweet. They were united in marriage…read more

• Richard B. Harden ’69

  Deceased date: January 9, 2025
  Richard B. Harden Jr., 77, passed away on January 9, 2025 at Exeter Hospital after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was born on August 21, 1947 in Rockland, Maine, the son of the late Richard B. Harden Sr. and Erleen (Cates) Harden. He was a …read more

• Chester R. Tweedie ’53

  Deceased date: December 24, 2024
  Chester Robert Tweedie, 92, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at home, surrounded by his daughter, 3 grandchildren, and his furry companion Emma. He was born August 3, 1932, in Millinocket, the son of Robert and Constance (Marston) Tweedie. Chester …read more

• Samuel D. Soule ’64

  Deceased date: December 21, 2024
  Samuel D. Soule passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at his home on Westport Island, Maine. Born in Bath, Maine, June 7, 1942. He was the son of Samuel J.E. Soule and Louisa Soule. He graduated from Wiscasset High School in the class …read more

• Christopher J. Rodriguez ’12

  Deceased date: December 14, 2024
  Christopher J. Rodriguez passed away on Dec 14, 2024. Chris was born Sept 10, 1989, to Theresa (Tanous)  Rodriguez and Raymond Rodriguez.  He graduated with honors from Skowhegan High School in 2008. He went on to Maine Maritime Academy and graduated wi…read more

• Capt. Harlan R. Cust ’56

  Deceased date: December 14, 2024
  Capt. Harlan R. Cust, 88, passed away peacefully December 14, 2024, with his loving family by his side. He was born May 16, 1936, son of Robert E. Cust and Gilberta M. Cust. Harlan graduated from Old Town High School and then went on to Maine Maritime Ac…read more