The tradition of Eight Bells pays respect to deceased mariners and signifies that a sailor’s “watch” is over.
died September 25, 2016 in South Houston, Texas. Lieutenant Commander Donald D. Rosenberg retired in 1969 after serving 25 years in the United States Navy. Following his retirement and upon entering the business world he moved to Houston, Texas with his family where he continued his public service by participating in various municipal functions. He was an avid collector of all things nautical and donated his extensive nautical pottery collection to MMA where it is now on permanent display. He was a true patriot, a gentleman and a man who loved many things and was loved by many. Those who knew and loved him are the richer for it.
died on May 24, 2017 in Marlton, New Jersey. He was the beloved husband of Pamela Hope Robinson for over 50 years, and a loving father and grandpop. Peter was born and raised in Bath, Maine. He was a proud member of the class of 1962 of Morse High School and MMA class of 1966. He spent his teenage years working at the Bath Golf Course and it availed him many lifelong lessons. He was employed for over 35 years with Demag DeLaval. His employment there enabled him to work with machinery and people; he loved them both. He retired as Director of Operations for the Turbine Division. After retirement, he spent time consulting and perfecting his golf game. He was a dearly loved member of Little Mill Country Club, he enjoyed playing in the A&G golf group, and he and his wife spent time traveling and cruising. Peter’s significant accomplishments paled in comparison to the pride he had in his wife, daughters and granddaughter. He was deeply loved by his family and will be dearly missed.
died December 7, 2017 in Hunstville, Alabama. Known by most friends as “Mickey,” Cornelius was a dedicated Navy/Merchant Marine Captain and ardent storyteller. His ability to captivate and entertain was evidenced by his position as class president all four years at MMA. Those leadership and people skills also allowed him to serve at the rank of Master and Commodore during Desert Storm and the Iran-Iraq War. Mickey graduated from the U.S. Naval War College with a MA in National Security & Strategic Affairs, and graduated with distinction with a MS in Business Management from Salve Regina University. His life was full of risk and responsibility, with his country entrusting him in black operations. While home from sea, Mickey enjoyed Maine’s natural beauty and maintained a close connection with the ocean. He found joy in long road trips in his Cadillac, listening to big band music on surround sound and never relying on a GPS. In recent years, he maintained a link with the Huntsville veteran community, volunteering for ceremonies and having weekly breakfast with veteran friends.
died December 9, 2017 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Raised in Tenafly, N.J., he began working for Mormac Marine Group as a 3rd mate after graduation. After promotion to chief mate and traveling the world, PJ embarked on a new adventure working for Reinauer Transportation, sailing in and out of New York Harbor. PJ was part of the rescue and recovery operations after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centers and received an award for his efforts. PJ became a federal harbor pilot in 2012 and was a driving force in the expansion and operations of the Port of Portsmouth, NH including the rebuilding of the Memorial Bridge and the reconstruction of the Sarah M. Long Bridge. PJ was committed to the continuation of a working waterfront supporting the fisherman, businesses and local economy. At the same time that he was building his maritime career, his passion for skiing gave him great opportunities to spend time with his family. Through his services with the Cannon Mountain Ski Patrol he was able to combine his knowledge and expertise of life saving and rescue with skiing. He was quickly welcomed into the proud service of the Canon Mountain Ski Patrol and was recognized for his efforts during the rescue operation in 2016 when he was Incident Commander for the successful tram evacuation.
died December 16, 2017 in Sterling, Massachusetts. Hatch retired from the US Navy after 23 years as a Lt. Commander and served a 13-month tour with the Marines during Vietnam. While in the Navy he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal; Bronze Star (with Combat V); Air Medal (4 Awards), Purple Heart; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnamese Honor Medal 1st class; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (Unit); and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon (with clasp). After his retirement he served as Assistant Director of Probation and Parole for the State of Maine. He was a very active member of St. Joseph’s Church as Director of RCIA for several years and as a communicant, he served on the Board of Directors for the Hall of Fame at Portland High School and for Milestone in Portland. While in the Navy he also founded Dry Dock 29 at the Portsmouth Navy Shipyard.
died December 19, 2017 in South Paris. A veteran of the US Navy, Mayo served four years and had been stationed in Vallejo, Concord and then after his discharge he worked for Pacific Gas & Electric. He moved his family to Eureka, California and began working as an insurance inspector for Hartford Steam Boiler. In 1972 he returned to Maine. Mayo re-took the Coast Guard exam and got back to what he earned his degree in, taking a job with Interlake Steamship Company as an engineer in their shipping business on the Great Lakes, retiring in 1990. He was a member of the AMVETS in Buckfield, Modern Woodmen of the World, Knights of Columbus and enjoyed staying busy in retirement helping his wife in her ceramic business.
died December 20, 2017, in Plympton, Massachusetts after a brief illness. He earned a bachelor’s degree in nautical science and a third mate license in 1959 from MMA. In 1963, he earned his master license for “vessels of any gross tons upon oceans,” and sailed deep seas for 10 years. He was a first class pilot in the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Southeast Alaska, and St. Croix, U.S Virgin Islands. Bullard was also a Navy veteran, having served 11 years as a reserve officer. He resided in Coco Solo, Panama, from 1967 to 1970; Honolulu, Hawaii, from 1970 to 1975; and Ketchikan and Plympton from 1976 to 2017.
died December 22, 2017 in Freeport, Maine. He spent the majority of his life in coastal Maine. Blanchard was a well-respected and extraordinary mentor, not only in his professional career, but also to friends and family throughout everyday life. He guided us all by his selflessness and strove to always help others. His love of the ocean and of his friends and family translated into showing us how to live life to its fullest. His hobbies included boating, classic cars, biking and tennis. Tom was actively involved in the MMA Alumni Association.
died December 27, 2017 at his home in Winslow, Maine without his wife’s permission. He played football for MMA and after graduation went to work for Columbia Gas and then American Export Lines. John and his family lived in Ohio and New Jersey before moving to Maine where he worked for Scott Paper as a supervisor. John enjoyed woodworking, was very handy, and on many occasions readily helped out his neighbors. It’s always good to have a neighbor who knows which end of the hammer to use. Win or lose at playing cards or golf it was never a competition for him. When it came to Patriot’s football, he never missed a kick-off.
died on December 27, 2017 in Bailey Island, Maine. After graduation, Brian sailed with Tidewater Oil out of Delaware. Soon after, he took a job in Wilmington, NC where he taught at Cape Fear Technical Institute as an instructor on the research vessel The Advance. Brian also started a career in the marine insurance industry that lasted almost 40 years. If asked, Brian would claim his real job was as a fisherman. His life as a fisherman began when he was 12 years old and continued through retirement. Lobstering, clamming, gill netting, fish trapping, and purse seining; anything that got him out on the water! He also loved underwater adventures, and enjoyed exploring tropical destinations with his family. Adventures at home centered around large family gatherings at the holidays. No one will forget the 4th of July party that ended with a houseboat, PVC pipe, fireworks, and a visit from the police. Brian carried on his passion for fishing after relocating to Bailey Island. He made countless friends, and was always surrounded by one motley crew or another. People were drawn to his boisterous and kind personality. He lived life his way, and his generous nature was infectious.
died January 1, 2018 in Wilton, New York. After graduation Donald entered the United States Navy as an Officer. He shipped Merchant Marine, and served aboard the USS Kidd and USS Till as Lieutenant Commander. He served as a Naval Intelligence Officer during the Vietnam War. He later taught Math and Science at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Following OB’s honorable discharge from the Navy, he was employed for over 30 years in International Marketing for General Electric, traveling all over the world selling gas and steam turbines. Following his “retirement” he did consulting work for the Japanese firm, Mitsui. OB was an avid golfer and a member of MacGregor Country Club.
died on January 4, 2018 in Dade City, Florida. After graduation, Roger continued his education at Lowell University where he received his MBA degree. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during the Vietnam War. He worked for many years as a consulting engineer with Stahlman Group and prior to that with Heald McKone Associates. He was an active member of New Beginnings Church of the Nazarene in Loudon where he taught Sunday school and was the Church Treasurer for 11 years. He was also the Treasurer of the Windsor Hills Camp in Windsor, NH. He was an avid reader and enjoyed golfing, camping with his children, and spending time in the NH outdoors.
died January 9, 2018 in Rochester, Massachusetts. While at MMA, he played football and ran track, captaining the football team his senior year. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, serving three years. Upon discharge, he began his 38-year career with General Electric, with most of those years in Somersworth, NH. Throughout much of the 1960s and 1970s, he served as the executive VP of Scala Enterprises, which included the well-known Scala’s sub shops and the Chuck Wagon catering business. In his earlier years, he was active in local politics, the Lion’s Club, and Sons of Italy. He served as president of the Rochester Country Club and as commissioner of Parks and Recreation. He coached youth athletics and was involved in various booster organizations. He spent retirement golfing, skiing, hunting, traveling and attending grandchildren’s events. He and Marion were very involved with Tara Estates activities. His greatest joy was spending time with family.
died on January 10, 2018 in Newport, Maine. He served as a Merchant Mariner including oil tankers to Saudi Arabia. He operated power plants for Maine Public Service Company for 40 years. Charles was a member of the Lions Club for many years. He enjoyed spending time at his camp on Cross Lake with his family.
died January 14, 2018 in Lisbon, Connecticut. Craig proudly served as a Merchant Mariner for 26 years following graduation, a career that allowed him to travel the world. As a mariner, he sailed the Pacific and through the Panama Canal, with stops in Alaska, Hawaii, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. He loved to travel with his family, and particularly cherished the time spent together in Disney World, Alaska, South Africa, Seattle, the Bahamas, and California. Of all the places he traveled, he most loved Block Island, and sharing his time there with family and friends. Craig lived his life on the ocean, and spent his time on Block Island boating, fishing, swimming, SCUBA diving, and teaching others to love the sea. He also loved to work on things in the company of those he loved, from cars, boats, and houses to fishing lures. He was a “dog whisperer,” who was loved by all dogs in return. Craig had an enormous influence on those around him. His loyalty, generosity, humor, hard work, and dedication to his family will live on in those who love and admire him.
died January 16, 2018 in Manchester, New Hampshire. He resided in the Queen City most of his life. Norman served with the United States Navy and was a plant manager with New England Telephone Company for thirty-five years. Devoted to his faith, he was a longtime communicant of Saint Pius X Church, where he served as a Eucharistic minister. Norman was an avid golfer and enjoyed ballroom dancing. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Norman will be deeply missed and his memory held dear by his family.
died on January 21, 2018 in South Portland, Maine. Dennis worked his entire career as a Merchant Marine officer, retiring as Captain. He sailed ships all over the world for companies including Texaco, Sealift, and Maersk. Capt. Webb was the first captain to sail a cargo ship into Poland after World War II. He started on oil tankers, but spent most of his career bringing cargo such as grain to countless ports all around the world including Africa and the Middle East, and took numerous trips through the Panama Canal. Capt. Webb retired in 2008. Dennis was an avid car fan, following NASCAR and local car races. He loved spending time at the family camp on Sebago Lake, waterskiing, and boating. He enjoyed mudding and ice racing on his 4-wheeler. Dennis was extremely proud of his running career and even ran in the Boston Marathon. He was a member of the Portland Lodge of Elks, the Mid Maine Hog Chapter, and the MMA Alumni Association. He loved to tour lighthouses, keeping the sea close to him even when he was ashore. Dennis was a strong, loyal, extremely smart, an avid learner, brave, steadfast, kindhearted, adventurous, proud and loving person. He loved to strike up a conversation with anyone who would listen.
died January 25, 2018 in Savannah, Georgia. He was predeceased by his wife Mary and is survived by his children, Thomas and Sheila Richard spent many years working in the Panama Canal in many different capacities.
died January 28, 2018 in Venice, Florida. He moved to Venice in 2009, a place he called paradise. Following graduation, he served as an engineer at US Maritime Service. Subsequently, he graduated from Central Connecticut State and served as an industrial arts teacher and wrestling coach at Wethersfield High School. He then worked for Northeast Utilities developing education and training programs for employees. Throughout this time Pete also served in the US Naval Reserve. In middle age, Pete became a marathon runner, long distance cycler and triathlete. Following his retirement he worked for LL Bean and became a Maine Island Guide and sea kayaking coach. His Scottish heritage inspired him to learn bagpiping and he subsequently played in a punk rock band. Pete also undertook weaving, and he continued to build furniture, houses, and gardens. Pete had an insatiable curiosity, a passion for life and diversity of interests and friends. A confirmed Maine-iac, he surprised everyone when he moved to Florida, where he started building motorcycles, especially Café Racers, Triumphs and Indian motorcycles. Pete developed a close clan of motorcycling friends, took up sculling, and continued bicycling. He became a Florida naturalist while transforming his back yard into a tropical paradise. He was also a lover of animals and had a long succession of Maine Coon Cats. Pete was known and loved by many near and far. He had an infectious laugh, a generous heart and was a gentle man in all ways.
died on March 1, 2018 in Beverly Hills, Florida. After graduation, Terrance worked on large ships, traveling all over the world and eventually becoming chief engineer. In 1979, Terrance moved to Lecanto, Florida and then, moved to Beverly Hills, Florida. He was a very active member in the Lion’s Club, as well as a member of Beverly Hills Community Church.
died March 4, 2018 in Gadsden, Alabama. At MMA, he was the drum major for the band, and upon graduation he earned his U.S. Coast Guard merchant marine engineering license and Navy commission. Bob studied engineering and Health Physics at the University of Michigan Graduate School. He started in the nuclear power area in 1969 as a reactor operator/health physics and water chemistry technician on the Nuclear Ship Savannah. Bob spent 42 years in the nuclear industry in various capacities, from commercial industry to government regulation. Bob retired from the NRC in 2011 and moved to Gadsden, Alabama. He was an avid golfer and the home in Gadsden on the number 6 green of the Gadsden Country Club was a perfect fit. He played golf regularly with friends and was a member of the Alabama 60+ Golf Association. He won the Julius Fargus Trophy for the best score at the Alabama 60+ annual tournament in Waynesville, NC in 2015. Bob built many items for schools and church fundraisers with his son and other volunteers. Throughout his life, he could always be found fixing something. He made friends easily at work and at play and considered friendship one of the most important values in life. He will always be remembered for his giving back, teaching, coaching, and mentoring. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Gadsden, Alabama 60+ Golf Association, The American Nuclear Society, and former President of the Board of Directors of the NS Savannah Association.
died March 4, 2018 in York, Maine.
died March 13, 2018 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. After graduation he sailed for Farrell Lines in Europe and West Coast of Africa. He later was commissioned in the U. S. Navy as an Engineering Duty Officer and during his 28 years he served in a number of sea billets leading to Chief Engineer of USS America (CV-66). Shore duty involved numerous ship maintenance officer staff tours until his retirement in 1979.
If you learn of the passing of an 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.
A complete listing of Eight Bells can be found at mainemaritime.edu/mariners-forever/category/eight-bells/.
