The tradition of Eight Bells pays respect to deceased mariners and signifies that a sailor’s “watch” is over.
These four MMA students lost their lives as the result of an automobile accident Saturday, December 10, 2022, in Castine.
The son of Scott and Laura, Fossett grew up in Gardiner, Maine, and graduated from Gardiner Area High School in 2020. While in high school he was an excellent student, played varsity soccer and lacrosse, and was extremely proud to be a team captain his senior year. Fossett was quiet and humble and had many friends who love and miss him. He was studying International Business and Logistics at MMA. He found his entrepreneurial spirit at age seven by creating his own lemonade and pastry stand called “Chase’s Snack Shack.” Upon graduation, he intended to pursue his MBA with the hopes of owning his own business. His time at MMA had an incredible impact on him. He often mentioned how much of an influence both his peers and professors had been to him. A very caring young man with a contagious smile, Fossett loved the outdoors, fly fishing at Pierce Pond and Grand Lake Stream, skiing at Sugarloaf, and hunting at his family cabin.
He was the son of Ona Ignacio and Benjamin Cameron. Ignacio-Cameron was a 2020 graduate of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. Ignacio-Cameron loved being on the water in any capacity, so it was no surprise he was successful in his studies at Maine Maritime Academy.
The son of Beth Jimmo and Daniel Kenealy, Kenealy was raised in York, Maine. He graduated from York High School in 2021, where he was a three-season varsity athlete in soccer, winter track, and baseball. He was majoring in Marine Transportation Operations and was a member of the Regiment of Midshipmen. Soccer was a passion of his from the time he was three years old on the town’s rec soccer team, to four seasons at YHS, and the past two seasons with MMA’s varsity team. He was a solid defender and teammate on and off the field. He was always a dedicated, hard-working, and cheerful player whether it be on the field, the track, or the diamond. Kenealy lived life to the fullest and made friends everywhere he went. He had a large close-knit pack of friends throughout his school-aged years and into university. Together they enjoyed so many sports as well as cliff jumping, rafting, and camping.
A lifelong resident of Rockport and Gloucester, Mass., Simpson loved to play and explore the terrain of Cape Ann. Quarry swimming, biking through the woods, fishing off the rocks, and cross country skiing through Dogtown were just a few of his beloved outdoor escapades. Simpson graduated from Rockport High School in 2020 and kept his childhood friends close when he left Rockport to attend MMA. While there he developed additional friendships that were deeply meaningful. Simpson is remembered as a thoughtful person who loved being with his friends. He listened more than he talked and was a reliably hard worker. A lover of animals, he had several pets over the years—from dogs and cats to bunnies and a ferret.
crossed the bar on August 24, 2020, in Lansdale, Penn. Higgins was born in his grandmother’s home in Milbridge, Maine, and raised in Jonesport and Machias by loving parents and family closely tied to the sea. After graduating from high school in 1942, he attended MMA as a midshipman. After graduation, he was commissioned as a deck officer-navigator with the rank of ensign in the Naval Reserve. He received his Second Mate’s License and a promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade. Within a few days of graduation, Higgins was onboard the bridge of U.S. Merchant ship SS Sahale. Higgins sailed as the second and third mate on the T2 tankers carrying aviation fuel to the fronts in both the European and the Pacific theaters of war. After the war, Higgins stayed in service for six more months to bring troops home and deliver supplies to rebuild devastated areas. Higgins went on to earn a degree in civil engineering from University of Maine in 1950. He utilized his engineering skills consulting in the geotechnical field while working for state highway departments that helped build the New Jersey and Michigan interstates. He and his wife adopted three children from the Lutheran Charities in Detroit and Cleveland. He had a knack for carpentry, gardening, and making blueberry pancakes. He loved watching birds and providing a home to lonely dogs and cats, and in return, they loved to be around him.
died on September 24, 2022. Born in Blue Hill, Maine, he graduated from Gould Academy in 1945 and MMA. He served in the Navy during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952, then returned home to help his father in the wild blueberry cannery business. Allen and his brother, Wayne, founded Allen Brothers, a wooding/blueberry business. In 1973 they built the G M Allen & Son Freezer/Processing Plant in Orland, with Allen serving as treasurer. Allen was a devoted athlete. Although baseball was his favorite sport, he also played football and basketball at MMA, and later formed town baseball teams. He was in the Ellsworth bowling league for many years. He enjoyed attending the sporting events and recitals of his children and grandchildren. Allen loved harness racing, purchasing his first trotter (Spencer Win) in his 20s. Because of his competitiveness he taught his children they should always play to win. He could total a long list of numbers faster than a computer. He had the ability to take complex subjects and reduce them to three or four words. He also was an avid farmer, providing his family with fresh vegetables for years.
passed away on July 6, 2022, in Naples, Fla. Being the son of a sea captain, Harding developed a true appreciation for the sea. After graduating from Philips Andover Academy, Harding attended MMA and spent years in the Merchant Marines. He received his master’s degree from Boston University before working for several shipping and trading companies. He established The Harding Company, a wire rope and rigging company, which exists today as a subsidiary of ALP Industries. Although he was a strong business leader, Harding balanced his life with local school committee work, church volunteerism, and participating in several trade association advisory roles. He was a tennis player, a skier, and an angler. He traveled the country in search of the perfect ‘catch,’ often accompanied by family and friends. After his official retirement, Harding continued to work as a fishing guide in the backwaters of the Ten Thousand Islands in Florida.
passed away on December 14, 2022. He was born in West Brooksville, Maine, and sailed for 37 years, traveling the world over.
peacefully passed away on October 30, 2022. Fairbanks was raised in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. He graduated from MMA and volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After three years of service, Fairbanks attended Stanford University and obtained a degree in mechanical engineering. Fairbanks’s life was one of service to his country and his family. Fairbanks served for 32 years in the Navy and the Naval Reserves and retired with the rank of Captain. He worked as an engineer for the NASA-Goddard Spaceflight Center and the Department of Energy for 52 years before finally retiring at the age of 82. Fairbanks was awarded the Apollo Achievement Award from the NASA-Goddard Spaceflight Center and authored or co-authored 78 technical papers. At MMA, he starred in football and baseball and is a member of the MMA Athletic Hall of Fame. Fairbanks was the prototypical fullback/middle linebacker in the days of two-way players, leather helmets and no facemasks. Fairbanks had a tremendous passion for travel and relished family vacations to the Maine beaches, considering the chilly ocean water refreshing. He was a dedicated supporter of his alma mater, MMA, where he was the recipient of the 1975 Outstanding Alumni Award and was a proud member of its Wall of Honor.
passed away on January 13, 2023. He grew up on a small dairy farm in North Whitefield, Maine, and graduated from Gardiner High School in 1949 and MMA. He was first employed by Isthmian Steamship Corp. as a junior third assistant operating engineer on the SS Steel Traveler sailing to the Far East from New York City in 1953. He transferred to the U.S. Navy, serving on seven ships and at four shore commands. While assigned to COMNAVAIRLANT [Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic], in Norfolk, Va. as a marine project engineer, he converted nine black-oil-fueled attack aircraft carriers to distillate fuel. This conversion initiated the age-old requirement to clean boiler-fire sides every 600 hours. For this work he was recommended for the “Legion of Merit” medal. Cooler heads prevailed in Washington, D.C., and he was awarded another “Meritorious Commendation Medal.” After completing naval service, Malaney was employed by the Bureau of Maine Emergency Management Agency for 17 years. He completed the educational requirements for an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in public administration at the University of Maine.
passed away on December 29, 2022. After graduation, he spent many years serving in the Merchant Marine as well as proudly serving in the U.S. Navy, reaching the rank of Lieutenant. He finished his working career with the U.S. Customs Service, reaching the rank of area port director before his retirement. He was an active member of the Houlton Rotary Club, Monument Lodge, and Anah Shrine Club.
died peacefully at home on October 22, 2022. He spent his boyhood years growing up on Cushing’s and Cliff Islands, Maine, graduating from South Portland High School in 1950. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1949, graduated from MMA, and accepted a commission in the Naval Reserve. Called to active duty during the Korean War, he received his regular commission in 1957, promotion to captain in 1974, and retired in 1984 after 32 years of service. Upon retirement, he served as vice president with IMECO Services Inc., of Iron Mountain, Mich. He returned home to Maine for his retirement years.
passed away on August 4, 2015, after courageously enduring bladder cancer. Chavaree was born in Lewiston, Maine, the third of nine children. Chavaree graduated from MMA. He joined the Navy and then went to work for Exide Battery Co. The family eventually moved to California and Chavaree went back to sea, sailing with Military SeaLift Command, retiring in 1996.
passed away on January 13, 2023. Hodgkins graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1953 and MMA. Following graduation, he sailed on the SS Independence for three years, then joined the family business at Tidal Falls Lobster Pound. He later co-owned Seal Point Seafoods and founded Lobster Products Inc. Hodgkins was involved with many organizations over his life. He worked with the University of Maine to develop an alternative feed for lobsters and medicated feed to prevent Red Tail Disease in lobsters. He was a member of the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department and served as fire chief for several years. He was a member of the Hancock Historical Society and a member and past president of the Maine Lobster Pound Owners Association. He was an “honorary member” of the Hancock Women’s Club and involved with their Santa Fund and Annual Chicken Barbeque. He also served on the Planning Board for the town of Hancock for several years. Hodgkins was active in sports, and had a special passion for baseball, playing catcher for EHS, MMA, and Husson College, and loved watching the Boston Red Sox. He especially enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and friends, going to camp, and skiing at Sugarloaf USA.
passed on January 12, 2023. Hornberger graduated from high school in Houlton, Maine, and from MMA, after which he began his career in shipping in Virginia. He came ashore to work at the Newberry Co. and later W.T. Grant Co. He became the VP of the RPM subsidiary Floquil Polly S Color Corp in 1976 and then VP of Mohawk Finishing. In 1980 he became the President of Mohawk, H Behlen & Bro., Westfield Coatings, Chemical Coatings and Star Finishing and was an advisor for Label Systems. Community service was important to him, and he served on the boards of several organizations including Rotary International, Montgomery United Way, St. Mary’s Foundation, Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery Economic Development Corp., and Industries for Amsterdam. He passed this desire to give back on to his children and grandchildren. Hornberger retired in 2000 and was able to enjoy his family, traveling, golfing, and spending time on his hobbies.
died at his home on January 22, 2023. Scribner was educated in Norway, Maine, schools, graduated from MMA, enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and then worked as a Merchant Mariner. He was the State of Maine Treasurer for many years and held various jobs within state government. Scribner also was an instructor in governmental finance at University of Maine and author of Raising State and Local Revenues: Emerging Patterns in Revenue Systems. He was active in Maine politics. He had a passion for ham radio and enjoyed summers at the ocean with family and friends.
passed away March 12, 2023. He graduated from Hamburg High School in 1953 and from MMA. Maclean served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during Vietnam. He was a Master Mariner, and his profession took him many places in the world. More than 50 years of his career were spent as a pilot on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River for the St. Lawrence Seaway Pilots Association, based in Cape Vincent, New York. His son, Michael, a fourth-generation captain, followed in his father’s footsteps and works as a seaway pilot to this day. Maclean enjoyed old trucks and was a member of the Central New York Antique Car Association.
passed away July 3, 2022, after a prolonged illness. Sewall graduated from York High School in 1957 having lettered in baseball, basketball, cross country, and football. He attended MMA and this led to him accepting a job on cargo ships and sailing all around the world. After his time at sea, he began his career in gypsum, manufacturing wallboard for National Gypsum, Georgia Pacific, and LaFarge over the years. He also built up a respectable business in antiques and collectibles and traveled the states going to glass and antique shows. Sewall was loved by all who knew him. People loved him for his kindness, fairness, and wonderful sense of humor. He loved a good laugh and was always quick to tell a joke.
passed away on January 29, 2023. Wheaton graduated from Stearns High School in 1959. After graduating, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. After serving in the military, Wheaton spent 25 years in the Merchant Marines, spending several months a year living at sea. He then worked in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, before fully retiring. In his later years he enjoyed picnics on Skyline Drive, Washington Nationals games, and phone calls with his lifelong best friend Stewart “Butch” Farquhar of Millinocket. His greatest joy was visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
passed away on December 3, 2022, in Englewood, Florida. He spent his career with Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Assn. and retired as a Chief Engineer from Maersk.
passed away February 26, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Frederick grew up in Pittsfield, Maine and graduated from Maine Central Institute in 1962. During his time at MCI he participated in football, skiing, and baseball. After high school, he earned his BS in Marine Engineering at MMA. He spent his career working around the world as a Merchant Mariner. He served in the Naval Reserve for many years and in an active-duty capacity during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, retiring with the rank of Commander. When not at sea, he was usually working on projects around home and spending time with his family at camp. Frederick had a welcoming demeanor and greeted people with a comforting smile.
passed away on October 18, 2022. Born and raised in Waterville, Maine, Levesque was a retired marine engineer who enjoyed golf with his friends and family, loved traveling and just enjoyed life at his camp in Maine.
passed away on November 30, 2022, at his home. Lewis was born in Portland, Maine, and graduated from Old Orchard Beach in 1963. Following graduation from MMA, he was quickly hired by the Texaco Oil Company and was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, being honorably discharged in 1971. Lewis spent 29 years as a Merchant Marine working for Texaco. He worked during the Gulf War readying the engines of ships that would carry troops and supplies to the Persian Gulf. Lewis retired as Chief Engineer. Lewis sailed all over the world and shared stories from places like Singapore, India, Alaska, and the Panama Canal. He was well respected by his peers as a top-notch engineer. He loved the Boston Red Sox and attending local high school sporting events. Lewis especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play baseball, basketball, and football. Lewis was a very generous person who was always willing to help others.
died January 6, 2023, after a period of declining health. Born in Rockland, Maine, Spearin was a graduate of Thomaston High School and MMA. During his time at sea, he sailed most of the world and was an officer at the time of his retirement from the Merchant Marine. From the 70s to mid-80s, he lived intermittently in Spain and became fluent in Spanish. Spearin later lived on Matinicus Island, Maine where he lobstered for over a decade. Spearin’s many interests included hunting, fishing, cooking, Westerns, and sci-fi books and films.
died on January 20, 2023, at his home in Canaan, Maine. He graduated from Hartland Academy with the class of 1963. He received his degree from MMA and was a Merchant Mariner for 21 years. Cummings was a brilliant engineer and could fix anything. He enjoyed restoring older automobiles and attending car shows. He liked hunting, fishing, and boating. He could tell tall tales and sell snow to an Eskimo.
died January 20, 2023, of congestive heart failure. Melanson grew up in Wellesley Hills, Mass., graduating from Wellesley High in 1963. After graduating from MMA, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Era. Melanson shipped out with Exxon/Esso/Humble and served on the second Northwest Passage voyage of the prototype tanker Manhattan, eventually becoming the youngest Master in the Exxon fleet at the time. He became captain of the Exxon Huntington and was documenting his career at the time of his passing. He came ashore in 1988 to become a lobsterman out of Waldoboro, and later was a Port Captain doing pollution control work overseeing the unloading of oil tankers until he changed course headings in 1995, moving to the slopes of Oak Hill Farm in South Hiram, Maine, to breed, raise, and race sled dogs. He owned High Acres Maple Syrup, belonged to Southern Maine Maple Sugarmakers, and built the Cottages at Oak Hill Farm from the ground up. He had a passion for bridge, Scrabble, cribbage, genealogy, collecting stamps, deer hunting, cooking, and was a Star Trek aficionado. But above all, he loved the ocean.
passed away on October 7, 2022, in Bangor, Maine, after a brief battle with cancer. The eldest of eight children, Curran grew up in Bangor, graduating from Bangor High School in 1965. After graduating from MMA, Curran entered the Merchant Marines before working for Texaco, eventually as a chief engineer for many years. This allowed him to travel and experience many unique locations of the world including India, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Caracas, Venezuela. He moved to New Hampshire in 1974 where he started his family. In 2007 he returned to Brewer, Maine. Curran loved to connect with old and new friends, enjoyed being involved in the alumni committee for class reunions, and always looked forward to attending Bangor High School and MMA reunions. In his later years, Curran spent much of his time restoring his antique car. He enjoyed gardening and yard work, small and large home improvement projects, and traveling to see national parks across the country.
passed away on March 12, 2023. Born in New London, Conn., he graduated from Robert E. Fitch Sr. High School and MMA. For many years he was employed by the Bechtel Company working on the construction of nuclear power plants in California, Florida, and New Jersey. Langdon settled in Mystic while working for North East Utilities and then for the Kraft Group’s Robertson Paper Box Company in Uncasville, Conn. Langdon was happiest when he was sailing or driving his Boston Whaler in the Mystic River. He was known for his kindness and his willingness to help others. Even when he was bedridden, he was doing research for the Mystic Historical Society. While at NE Utilities, he arranged for the company to fund and erect the Osprey nest platforms in the upper Mystic River which are still there today.
passed away peacefully on March 8, 2023, at his home in South China, Maine. Glidden was born in Gardiner, graduated from Erskine Academy in 1966, and from MMA. Glidden filled the room with his presence, always telling stories and jokes. He enjoyed snowmobiling, ice fishing, camping, boating, water skiing, and playing billiards. His many extraordinary adventures, both at home and abroad, including visiting all 15 Presidential Libraries and flying in a Concorde. He joined the South China Volunteer Fire Department in 1973 and became their Treasurer in 2012. He enjoyed hosting gatherings at the multi-generational family camp.
passed away peacefully February 18, 2023. Dugan was born and raised in Cherry Valley, N.Y. and most recently lived in Bath, Maine, and Fernandina Beach, Fla. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Louisville. Shipway lived a life of service to his country and the communities in which he lived. He was a career Navy officer, retiring as Rear Admiral after 35 years of service. His last assignment on active duty was as Director of Strategic Systems Programs. He was a member of the Strategic Advisory Group of the U.S. Strategic Command. After his retirement from the Navy, Shipway joined General Dynamics’ Electric Boat in 2000. In 2003, he was promoted to president of Bath Iron Works, one of the State of Maine’s largest employers, where he remained until he retired six years later. In 2009, he was awarded the Navy League of the United States’ highest honor—the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Award for exemplary leadership in the maritime defense industry. Shipway served on several boards, including most recently as chair of the board of global shipbuilder Austal U.S.A., the MMA Board of Trustees, and the Board of Mid Coast Health Services in Maine.
passed away on March 14, 2023, at his home in Addison, Maine. Better known as “Dusty,” Alley was born in Jonesport, Maine and attended Jonesport schools. He was active in all sports. A couple of his greatest moments were playing on the state basketball championship team of 1966 and being crowned as the state foul shooting champion in 1967, making 47 of 50 shots. Alley graduated from MMA with a degree in marine engineering, a Third Engineer Unlimited Steam and Diesel License, and a commission in the U.S. Naval Reserves. He started working for Interstate Oil and Transportation Company as an assistant engineer aboard tugboat Venturer, towing oil barges along the East Coast. Once sea time and training requirements were met, he obtained his chief engineer license and sailed until his retirement, with over forty years as a merchant mariner. He was highly respected within the company and considered to be one of the top engineers. Alley adored his beagles and spent many hours walking them on his property. He enjoyed gardening and spending time on his tractor, making improvements, and caring for his homestead. Alley was a quiet person, but his memory bank was full of lifelong friends, sports, politics—you name it. He could recall details at the drop of a hat.
died November 24, 2022, in Morrill, Maine. Friendships were important to Pratt, and many true friends stayed in contact with him throughout his entire life. “There are friends in life… and there are friends for life.”
died on February 24, 2023. He graduated from MMA and started his career at Mobil Oil Company, later transitioning into the steam/boiler industry. He retired in 2015. He was the president of the Ohio Morgan Association, treasurer for New Richmond, Ohio, Area Ministries and served on the New Richmond Zoning Board and Planning Commission for many years. He was also a docent for Grant’s Birthplace Museum in Pt. Pleasant, Ohio. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends, sailing, working on cars, specifically Morgans and other antique sports cars, and reading.
passed away on December 9, 2022, in Augusta, Georgia. Ericson was raised in Bangor, Maine and spent his childhood hunting, fishing, and skiing on Beech Hill Pond. He graduated from MMA with a degree in marine engineering. After years of international maritime shipping, he went on to work for General Electric, DuPont, Anheuser-Busch, Westinghouse, and Bechtel at Savannah River Site. He restored two Chris Craft wooden boats and built and designed his beloved A-frame home in Bar Harbor, Maine. There was not a wood he couldn’t identify by scent or grain. Ericson was an avid coffee drinker, Sunday Show watcher, and Patriots and Red Sox fan.
died in 2021.
died January 6, 2023, after a 23-year long battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Lilienthal spent his youth in Bayshore, Long Island, and Thomaston, Maine. Upon graduating from Georges Valley High School, he attended MMA and started his career as a Merchant Marine officer, then worked as an engineer in the nuclear power generation industry, helping to commission several nuclear power plants in Connecticut, Tennessee, Texas, and finally Oswego, New York. To know Lilienthal was to know true courage and compassion, even when faced with some of life’s most difficult challenges. He never lost his positive outlook on life, his passion for creating masterpiece stained-glass lampshades, or his dry, witty sense of humor. Lilienthal was always ready with a quick joke, great advice, or a reminder to stay positive, even against all odds.
died January 29, 2023. Kus graduated from Winthrop High School and MMA. Just a year later, he was a third mate on the ARCO Juneau. That was the first ship to carry Alaskan pipeline oil from Valdez, Alaska. Tankers were scheduled to deliver Alaskan crude to refineries in Washington, California, and Texas—the last via the Panama Canal. Kus was a “Jack of all trades” and was always ready to tackle any project.
died on January 15, 2023. After graduating from Marshfield (Mass.) High School in 1974, he entered the U.S. Navy ROTC program at MMA. He graduated with a BS in marine engineering. He was then accepted into the Navy nuclear submarine program. After excelling in the Navy Nuclear Power Training course, his first assignment was to the USS Tullibee (SSN-597), where he served as damage control assistant (1979–1982). This was followed by assignments to the USS Daniel Webster (SSBN-626, BLUE, 1984–1987), where he served as chief engineer; Submarine Squadron 10 in New London, where he served as squadron engineer (1987–1989); and the USS Greenling (SSN-614, 1989–1991), where he served as executive officer. In 1994, he was selected to take his first command, the USS James K Polk (SSN-645). After his change of command in 1997, he received orders to COMSUBGRU 8 in Naples, Italy, where he served as the operations officer. In 2000, he reported to the senior class at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I, where after completion, he remained on the faculty teaching officers from all branches of the U.S. military and senior officers from over fifty international militaries. His final active-duty tour was as the commanding officer, Officer Training Command. After his retirement in 2007, he worked as a Department of Defense civilian for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, designing and testing new submarine sonar systems for the Navy. He was deeply respected for his seamanship as well as his engineering and mechanical knowledge.
passed away on October 25, 2022. Soucy graduated from Noble High School in 1974, playing football throughout his time there. He went on to attend MMA, where he played football and received a bachelor’s degree in engineering. He worked most of his life as a chief engineer for the Merchant Marine. He liked to joke that he was the UPS of the high seas, and he took pride in a job well done. Soucy loved football, music, and riding around on his Harley. He spent his summers in New England and his winters in Deland, Florida. He used those warm winters to enjoy motorcycle riding, attending Bike Week at Daytona Beach, as well as an occasional round of golf. Soucy will be most remembered for his great sense of humor, his ability to find good in others, and a desire to find common ground with anyone and become friends.
passed on January 26, 2023. Raised in upstate New York, he graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School in 1975 and graduated from MMA with a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering and a third assistant engineer’s license. He went to sea for a few years, making several trips to South America, and then to the oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico. Later he “came ashore” and worked as a technical representative for E.G. & G. Sealol, installing the stern tube seal on the Navy’s submarine fleet. He then worked in the hydraulic field until his retirement in 2023. One of his favorite recreational pastimes was sailing. He was a member of the Newport Yacht Club and owned the same boat for over 40 years, Swizzle Stick. He spent countless hours on the Swizzle, racing around the beer cans and generally having a great time. He volunteered as the president of the Newport Yacht Club Endowment Fund. He will be remembered for the parties he threw, the laughs he was part of, the tricks he played, and the friends he made.
passed away at his home in Holiday, Florida on December 1, 2022. He was born and raised in Biddeford, Maine and was a graduate of Biddeford High School, class of 1982, where he played football. He graduated from MMA with a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, and shortly after was commissioned in the U.S. Coast Guard where he served for just short of 21 years. After leaving the USCG, he went on to become the marine superintendent at Golden Pass LNG Terminal in Texas. He eventually settled in Florida. It was during retirement that he decided to go back to school and pursue an MBA, as he always enjoyed learning.
passed away October 7, 2022. Wranosky graduated from Winslow High School in 1984 before MMA. He worked for International Paper in Ticonderoga, New York, for over 25 years until his retirement in 2021. Wranosky was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed being on Lake Champlain, snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing, gardening, and sitting by campfires. Most importantly, he enjoyed watching his children grow up into the young adults that they have become.
passed away January 12, 2023. Armstrong grew up in North Attleboro, Mass. and spent his summers on Cape Cod. He was a member of the North Attleboro High School class of 1961. Armstrong earned a BS in naval architecture and marine engineering at M.I.T. in 1965, an MS in civil engineering at M.I.T. in 1966, and a BD from the Episcopal Theological School in 1969. Armstrong’s life and career had many facets. At the young age of nine, he began working at the local dairy farm where he developed his life-long love of animals, tractors, and other machinery. He was a business owner (a marina and hardware store in North Falmouth, Mass.), an ordained priest of the Episcopal Church, a local politician and spent five years as a research associate at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. He also served for two years as the Assistant Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and for several years as Commonwealth Director of Port Development/Executive Secretary of the Massachusetts Governor’s Seaport Advisory Council. During his career, he spent time in higher education as well, working as an admissions officer at M.I.T. and in the Dean’s Office at Harvard College. Most recently, he taught electrical engineering at MMA. He and his wife loved the community of Castine, where they established their home and were active throughout town life. His life was filled with friends, family, happy dogs, joy, humor, and community service.
passed on November 6, 2022, at his childhood home. Born in Quincy, Mass., and raised in Milton, he was a proud graduate of Archbishop Williams in 1986 and of MMA. He was a dedicated maritime engineer and a member of MEBA (Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association). His long career as a sailor in the Merchant Marine Service took him around the world several times and further educated him in geopolitical, geoeconomic, and geosocial systems. He was never shy to voice his opinions of the world, making every conversation enlightening, insightful, passionate, and entertaining. Jerrier could navigate using the stars, and his language was often filled with maritime idioms and descriptions. Jerrier was a member of the online “Belong” cancer support group. The warriors whom he met there described him as an inspiration. He was a positive influence upon them by encouraging them to continue the battle, and to use all of their weapons to fight cancer. He, himself, fought cancer every step of the way, never giving up.
Most Eight Bells entries are obtained from online news sources and edited for length.
A complete listing of Eight Bells can be found at https://mainemaritime.edu/alumni/category/eight-bells/.
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.
