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.

• Robert F. Hilpert ’57

  Deceased date: February 4, 2016
  Robert "Bob" Hilpert, a long-time resident of Bellingham, WA since 1984, passed away on February 4th, 2016 at age of 80. He was born to Edwin and Christine Hilpert of Rochelle Park, NJ. Bob was surrounded by his loving wife of 51 years, Karen Frances Hilp…read more

• Halver A. Hart, Jr. ’45

  Deceased date: February 2, 2016
  Halver A. Hart Jr., "Skip," died peacefully Feb. 2 at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta with his family at his side. Skip was born in the family home May 9, 1925 to Hazel (Annis) and Halver Hart of South Hope. Skip received his early education at the on…read more

• Manley H. Smith, Jr. ’55

  Deceased date: January 25, 2016
  KENNEBUNK - Manley H. Smith, Jr., 83, of Kennebunk, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully on Monday evening, January 25, 2016 at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford following a brief illness. He was born in Old Town on April 23, 1…read more

• Richard D. Crosby, Jr. ’49

  Deceased date: December 29, 2015
  Richard Dudley Crosby, Jr., Col. USA, Retired March 4, 1928 - December 29, 2015 Resided in Jacksonville, FL COL Richard D. Crosby, Jr. (Retired) died 29 December 2015 in Jacksonville, FL. He was born 4 March 1928 to Richard D. Crosby, Sr. and Margaret W…read more

• Dennis L. Barker ’85

  Deceased date: December 20, 2015
  Dennis L. Barker, 52, of Hebron passed away Sunday, December 20, 2015 at his home following a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Lewiston on February 16, 1963 the son of Bradley and Judith Barker of Greene until the age of 9 then the famil…read more

• Robert A. Madsen ’60

  Deceased date: December 11, 2015
  EVERETT, Wash. - Robert A. Madsen passed away at his home in Everett, Wash., on Dec. 11, 2015. He was born in Portland on Oct. 8, 1939, the son of Marshall and Kathleen Madsen of Portland. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou St. Peter Madsen; son Michael…read more

• Frederick M. Conti ’44

  Deceased date: December 6, 2015
  WINDHAM - Frederick M. Conti, of Windham, died on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, following a brief illness, surrounded by his wife Viola and his loving family. Fred was born on January 25, 1921. He graduated from Portland High School where he was a varsity swimmer…read more

• Philip J. Adams ’43-1

  Deceased date: November 28, 2015
  July 25, 1920 - November 28, 2015 Resident of Danville Philip J. Adams was born and raised in Bangor, Maine and was the son of Benjamin F. Adams and Grace Russell Adams. He became a member of the first class of the Maine Maritime Academy, traditionally…read more

• Carl L. Cross II ’83

  Deceased date: November 4, 2015

  PALMYRA - Carl L. Cross II, 54, went to live with the lord on Wednesday November 4th 2015. He was born in Hartland to Carl L. Cross I and Judy (Webber) Cross on December 15th 1960.

  Carl graduated from Nokomis and lived …read more

• Richard D. Counter ’62

  Deceased date: October 31, 2015
  Richard “Dick” Counter passed away on 31 October 2015 at home from complications of mesothelioma. Born in Chicago, he graduated from New Mexico Military Institute and then Maine Maritime Academy serving his class as Executive Officer of the Class of …read more