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.

• Thomas W. Kelly III ’59

  Deceased date: October 23, 2023
  Holden - For 86 years Thomas Walter Kelly III, of Holden, ME, made our world a better place. He was devoted to his wife, love for his friends and family, patriotism to his country and dedication to his community. On October 23, 2023, he passed on to make …read more

• Paul E. Penley ’56

  Deceased date: October 5, 2023

  Paul Eugene Penley passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023. He was born in Lewiston, ME on August 30, 1935, the son of the late Clarence E. and Ethelyn (Odell) Penley. Paul graduate…read more

• Jon J. Fortier ’86

  Deceased date: September 30, 2023
  Jon Fortier, 59, passed away on Sept. 30, 2023, after a three-year battle with cancer. His final weeks were under the excellent care of the team at Maine General Hospital Augusta and hospice. He spent his last days in the home of some dear friends where h…read more

• Harry R. Fullerton ’71

  Deceased date: September 22, 2023
  Harry Robert Fullerton,75, died Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Gosnell House surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife, Sue Fullerton; children: Mark and wife Sara Fullerton, Mike Fullerton and wife Sarah Swan, Kimberly and husband Brandon Wa…read more

• Heinrich W. Bracker ’55

  Deceased date: September 22, 2023
  LCDR Heinrich "Captain Hank" Bracker, 89, of Holiday, Florida, died Sept. 22, 2023. Survivors wife, Ursula; sons, Richard, Heinrich; two grands; one great great-grand.…read more

• Capt. Kevin P. Eley ’81

  Deceased date: September 4, 2023
  Captain Kevin Peek Eley passed away on September 4, 2023, at the age of 64.  Kevin was the son of Virginia von Schilling Eley and Claud Erambert Eley, Jr. He leaves his loving wife of 31 years, Sue Manley Eley; his beloved sons George, Will and Henry; hi…read more

• Steven M. Wilson ’81

  Deceased date: July 30, 2023
  Steven Wilson of Canton, formerly of Sharon, passed away suddenly surrounded by his loving family on July 30, 2023 at the age of 63. He was the son of Audrey and the late Charles Wilson, husband of Robbin Wilson, father of Michael Wilson, Rebekah Ryan an…read more

• William R. Fleming ’56

  Deceased date: July 27, 2023
  Homosassa, FL, and Exeter - William Fleming "Bill," passed in Homosassa, Florida, on July 27, 2023, after complications from a fall. He was born August 8, 1934, to Margureite and Fred Fleming. He graduated from Ba…read more

• Frank M. Hale ’62

  Deceased date: July 25, 2023
  Frank M. Hale passed away July 25, 2023. He was born on July 31, 1939, in Salem, Mass., to Dorothy Alicia Faye and Frank Vincent Hale. He graduated from Salem High School in 1958, graduated as an Ensign from Maine Maritime Academy in 1962, and served i…read more

• Richard A. Foley ’49

  Deceased date: July 5, 2023
  MANCHESTER – Richard A. Foley, 95, passed away July 5, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born Dec. 14, 1927, Richard grew up in Philadelphia, Pa. with two brothers, William and John. After the death of his father in 1943, Richard relocated with …read more