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.

• Gary K. Wheaton ’62

  Deceased date: January 29, 2023
  Gary Kenneth Wheaton passed away at home at age 82 on January 29, 2023. Gary was born December 11, 1940 in Millinocket, Maine to parents Kenneth Cecil Wheaton and Harriet Marie (MacKenzie) Wheaton. Gary graduated from Stearns High School in 1959 and fr…read more

• James G. Kus ’76

  Deceased date: January 29, 2023
  It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Gregory Kus. On Jan. 29, 2023, James went home to be with the Lord. James was born on May 20, 1951 to Joseph and Sophie. James graduated from Winthrop High School and went on to Maine Marit…read more

• Robert M. Whitney ’80

  Deceased date: January 26, 2023

  Robert 'Eli' Whitney was born in New Rochelle, NY in 1957 to Horace Burton and Marjory Mackay Whitney on May 14 “Eli” has passed on to the next stage in his journey on January 26…read more

• Rodney L. Scribner ’56

  Deceased date: January 22, 2023

  Rodney Latham Scribner, 87, of Randolph, died at his home following an illness on Sunday, January 22, 2023, with Shirley by his side.read more

• Capt. Arthur S. Melanson ’68

  Deceased date: January 20, 2023
  “Old sailors never die but sometimes, when the tide is low, they just sail away.” Capt. Arthur S. Melanson’s ship sailed January 20, 2023 after an adventurous 77 year voyage. He hauled anchor after a bout of congestive heart failure complicated by t…read more

• Aarne M. Cummings ’68

  Deceased date: January 20, 2023
  CANAAN- Aarne Michael Cummings, 77, died on January 20, 2023, at his home in Canaan. Mike was born on November 29, 1945, the son of the late Aarne and Bertha (Olson) Cummings. He graduated from Hartland Academy with the class of 1963 and received his d…read more

• Capt. James E. Pillsbury ’78

  Deceased date: January 15, 2023

  On Jan. 15, 2023, Captain James Elliott "Jim" Pillsbury, U.S.N. (Retired), departed on his final voyage. He was born Oct. 2, 1956…read more

• Robert E. Malaney ’52

  Deceased date: January 13, 2023
  Bob completed his watch, signed “the log,” and went home to his Lord and Savior on Jan. 13, 2023. He was born Jan. 29, 1931, in Gardiner. He grew up on a small dairy farm in North Whitefield and attended a one-room …read more

• Herbert O. Hodgkins ’56

  Deceased date: January 13, 2023
  Herbert O. Hodgkins, 88, passed away after a short illness on January 13, 2023 at home. He was born June 29, 1934 in Ellsworth, the son of Dana and Winifred (Rice) Hodgkins. Herb graduated from Ellsworth High School, class of 1953 and Maine Maritime Ac…read more

• Glenn O. Hornberger ’56

  Deceased date: January 12, 2023
  Glenn O. Hornberger passed away on January 12, 2023 at the age of 87 years. He was surrounded by his wife and family. Glenn was born in Burlington VT on May 1, 1935. His parents were the late Marcella (Burdette) and Lawrence W. Hornberger. As a child, …read more