Class Notes

1958
In July of 2023 Joan and Gerry Astorino ‘58 celebrated their 63rd year of married life.
1958
Francis (Frank) Tepedino writes, “Just celebrated my birthday. Still active and very much involved. I am, and have been, a Board Member at the University of San Diego School of Law for some 26 years. I am retired from my consulting company, however I am now teaching Ethics at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, CA. Health, so far, is good. I swim 500 yards and work out on 4 weight machines five days a week. I am still driven by “the clock” and still hang my shirts and suits all facing “Right” in my closets from the training at MMA.”
1959
The Brewer City Council filed a resolution and public announcement on February 29, 2024, recognizing the positive influence of Thomas Kelly Ill to the well-being and development of his community and to the high esteem held for Thomas Kelly III by the citizens and officials of the City of Brewer, Maine.
1961
Jim Zedalis ‘62 writes, “Norm ‘Toad’ Meissner 61E and Jim ‘Zeke’ Zedalis 62E testing an electric powered launch in Venice, Florida, 2013. I would go on to buy a similar electric powered launch in 2023 and am still driving it on the waters near New Burn, NC. Zeke had more sense and continues to bask in the Florida sun. Be well, Toad and Zeke.”
1964
Capt. John Chapman states, “Retired from Houston Pilots after 16 years. Going to MMA was the The Best Thing!”
1965
Cal Lechman encourages all 1965 classmates to join them for their monthly Zoom call on the 1st of every month! Hope to see you there! Class Reunion is July 8-10, 2024.
1965
Sam Rowe ’65 recently performed a major overhaul on a 55-year-old Fitchburg General Electric Steam Turbine at Engro Fertilizers Limited, Daharki, Pakistan. In appreciation, the customer maintenance manager presented Rowe with a kufi and scarf typical of those worn by the local population.
1966
Lincoln Nye retired from ANL Shipping Co. as Chief Engineer for over 25 years.
1968
Tom R. Littlefield is retired. For the last 13 years, he has been the chaplain for American Legion Post 87 in Berwick, Maine, where he has resided all his life.
1970
Jim Braiser writes, “55 years in a nutshell. I sailed for 34 years before taking a job ashore as VP of Operations for an international ocean carrier in Tampa. After 10 years I retired (again) and moved to the North Georgia mountains. I have two children, a son in Maine and a daughter in Oregon.”

1971
Kevin Gildart says, “I was an executive at Bath Iron Works for 38 years. I have been retired for 13 years, enjoying life with family, kids, grandkids, golf, cooking, and regular exercise. MMA set the foundation for all of the above. Thank you!”
1972
Steve Palmer writes, “Four members of the class of 1972 connected at a meeting of the Boston Marine Society in November 2023. Left to right are Capt. Dave Ward, Capt. Steve Palmer, Capt. Don Spring & Capt. Andy Triandafilou. The BMS continues to support scholarship efforts at Maine Maritime on an annual basis.”
1972
Louis Normand writes, “After retiring a decade ago, my wife Patty and I relocated to Rhode Island to be closer to family and grandchildren. Now residing in Warwick, RI, I keep busy with activities such as church choir, community theatre, golfing, cycling, and kayaking. Recently, I participated in a century (100-mile) bike race, placing in the top 3 for the over 65 age group. Additionally, I stay active in the CT/RI MMA Alumni Chapter and the newly formed MMA Blue and Gold, representing MMA at recruiting events. On pleasant days, Patty and I enjoy taking rides in our Pontiac Solstice sports car and exploring different parts of our charming state of Rhode Island.”
1973
John Webster writes, “Spent the week in Florida with Tom and Janice Davis, Buddy and Joan Bryce, Dick and Beth Annis, and Brad Cahill. All class of 73.”
1975
Raymond Mann writes, “My roommate for all 4 years at MMA and I continue to get together as often as possible. Capt. Mike Mahoney and I traveled to France with our wives and chartered two canal boats and explored the French waterways (while sipping a Merlot or two, or three). We also spent a week in the Normandy area and paid tribute to the brave American military who sacrificed it all for all of us. In a more recent gathering, we met in Annapolis for another mini-reunion; and are planning our next trip! I am looking forward to 2025 for our 50th reunion and to see everyone. Stay well and be safe.”
1976
Mohammad Jalal Mirza sent in a couple of pictures and writes, “MMA is my second home where I spent the best time of my life.”
1976
David Sullivan states, “I retired after 5 years as Chief Boiler Inspector of Arkansas, 18 years total. I remain active on NBIC of ASME code committees. I also retired in 2005 from MEBA after 25 years. I live in Little Rock with my wife of 11 years.”
1978
From Mariner to Monk — The Rev. Prior Kevin LaMarre, O.S.B. celebrated the 30th anniversary of his Solemn Profession of monastic vows to the Order of St. Benedict, on October 16th, 2023. Fr. Kevin sends his sincerest greetings and best wishes to all fellow-classmates and friends of the Class of 1978.
1980
Stephen Joseph is retired and living in St. George, Maine.
1980
John “Skip” Stanley recently retired after 40 years with the US Coast Guard.

1986
David Cross, Co-Founder and Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Safe and Green Holdings Corp., has been selected to serve on the Modular Building Institute’s Government Affairs Committee. Among his accomplishments, Cross leveraged his expertise in container technology to pioneer the PACE (Portable Applications and Containerized Engineering) concept. This innovative approach utilizes shipping containers as foundational elements for construction projects. Furthering his vision, together with fellow founders of the company, he developed a unique design and fabrication methodology centered around transforming standard cargo shipping containers into code-compliant, engineered structures. These modular structures are widely recognized for their safety, strength, and environmental sustainability, marking a significant advancement in the field of construction and engineering. Additionally, he has testified before the 111th Congress on containerized applications for use in emergency response initiatives at the request of FEMA.

Cross commented, “I am deeply honored to have been selected by the Modular Building Institute to serve on their Government Affairs Committee. This appointment not only acknowledges our efforts at Safe & Green, but also represents a significant opportunity to contribute to the broader landscape of modular construction. I look forward to collaborating with industry leaders and policymakers to drive innovation, sustainability, and regulatory advancements that will shape the future of modular construction.”
1987 & 1991
John DeRose writes, “I have moved to Tampa (Snead Island) and I am working as a Commercial Fleet Director at Keystone Shipping with the Tanker fleet. I am also helping Dave Knapp/local alumni chapter to connect with more alumni in the area. Jim Carnes ‘87, along with some friends, are also occasionally getting out fishing.”
1993
Paul MacGillivary writes, “I gave a presentation on Mercy Ships to the scheduled meeting of the Company of Master Mariners of Australia, Western Australia Branch at Fremantle on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. It is interesting to note that it was 10 years ago, following my service on the Africa Mercy, that I gave a similar presentation to the COMMA, WA Branch. It was as well received this time as it was then. Although for most members attending the meeting the time for serving aboard Mercy Ships has past, many of them have sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters following in their seagoing footsteps who are looking for alternatives in their marine training and experience.
1994
Michael Neal is a Marine Coordinator and is well-known for all aspects of water safety in the film industry. Neal was born in Sanford, Maine, but lived worldwide before moving to Savannah over 25 years ago. His love of the water led him to become a PADI Dive Instructor, USCG 100 Ton Master Captain, and US Power Boating Instructor. He achieved a degree from Maine Maritime Academy in Marina Management. Neal’s background and vast skills have made him uniquely qualified for his position as a Marine and Water Safety Coordinator in film and television productions in the Savannah area and nationwide. Given his ability to scout water locations, prepare budgets, assemble a marine crew, find picture boats, camera boats, and support vessels, make safety plans, and permit the work, Neal has rapidly become one of the industry’s most sought-after Marine and Water Safety Coordinators. Neal lives with his wife, Cathy, and their four dogs on the marsh, where they enjoy being part of the Savannah community. Just a few of Neal’s film and television credits include Fear the Walking Dead, Panhandle, The Color Purple, The Menu, The Girl from Plainville, Black Panther 2, Devotion, Underground Railroad, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Gemini Man, Peanut Butter Falcon, and Ozark.
1994
Andrea Allen (McClintic) writes, “After a few years of volunteer work with the IRS Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program, I went back to school for accounting. Now in my 6th year with VITA, I have gone to work seasonally for Intuit. It enables John Allen (class of 95) and I to spend the summers in Surry, Maine and winters in Vero Beach, FL. With over 20 years sailing as Captain, John has recently moved to Diamond Offshore’s drillship-Ocean Blackhawk, drilling in the GOM. We manage to avoid the snow pretty well except when visiting our son in Utah.”
1995
Kevin Walker visited the Israeli Authority for Marine Training and Education in Akko, Israel to review their lifeboat and firefighting training courses. “They gave me a full tour of the academy and discussed marine education and shipping in Israel. I currently work as the Training and Competency Advisor for Chevron’s Eastern Mediterranean Business Unit located in Herzliya, Israel.” (l-r: Walker, Alexei Kolesnicov, his Israeli co-worker at Chevron)
1995
William Burney reports that he is working for Allnorth as VP of Energy & Renewables.
1995, 1997, 2002, 2014
Sean Eager submitted this picture working aboard the ATB Brownsville: Left to right – C/E Matt McLaughlin 1995, 1A/E Ethan Stubbs 2014, C/M Peter Desmond 1997, Captain Sean Eager 2002
1996
Allan Cameron has retired from driving trucks after nearly losing his life in a horrible accident. He moved to Mississippi after being certified as a Master Gunsmith and opened Battle Born Gunsmithing where he now enjoys his passion for guns with his wife by his side. His wife, Sherri, has battled throat cancer and kicked its butt. They both are enjoying life together in the country setting closer to two of their children. Cameron has taken on one of his son-in-laws as an apprentice in the shop.

1998
Jim Shibley writes, “I have resided in the greater Houston, TX area for the past 17 years. Been with Entergy, The Woodlands, TX office, for the past 6+ years as a lead mechanical/project engineer supporting combined cycle, simple cycle, RICE & BESS power plant projects across the gulf states (TX, LA, AR & MS). Outside of work, hobbies include enjoying Corvettes acquired, volunteering at local charities, visiting the Texas hill country and beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.”
2004
Marcus von Spiegelfeld reports, “In February, Crowley Wind Services completed the transportation and delivery of WTG (wind turbine generators) for the first commercial scale offshore wind site, South Fork Wind Farm. Due to Jones Act Rules, a foreign flag WTIV (Wind Turbine Installation Vessel) can’t load turbines in US ports and take them offshore for installation. Crowley Wind Services developed a feedering system which would load WTG’s onto our 400×105’ barges, tow them offshore and land the barge alongside the WTIV using an Ocean Class DP2 tug and a PRT 150 ton bollard pull assist tug. There was a year and a half of operational planning a collaboration that went into this project which included simulated exercises for the captains and R.O.C. (Rehearsal of Concept) Drills to identify any risk issues. In the end, if it wasn’t for the amazing boat handling of our captains in the most inhospitable weather conditions, we’d still be working on this project.”
2011
Craig Sarnecki writes, “Started a beautiful family in Porter, Texas, and working for Seacor Marine since August 2012. Free time is Paintball with my son, fixing old v-twins, and South American Ground Karate (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu).”
2012
Josh Shaw reported that classmate, Chelsea Pettengill ’12, accepted the position of Port Project Manager in South Portland in February 2023. Later that year, she was promoted to Assistant Director and then Deputy Director of the Maine Port Authority. Shaw states, “I’d like to personally congratulate her for her outstanding achievements and for representing MMA so effectively. If you happen to come across her on social media or in town, please extend your congratulations. Let’s give Chelsea a round of applause!”
2013
Capt. Matthew Berry completed his first year as a marine harbor pilot in the U.S. Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islands Port Authority. Berry expressed that becoming a St. Thomas harbor pilot has been a dream come true, “It is truly everything I have ever wanted in my career. I hope others who have this type of passion will follow their goals and never stop striving to fulfill them.”
2015
Andy Pulk married Laurie Stewart at the Tops’l Farm in Waldoboro on May 18, 2024. Laurie teaches technology in the Turner school district and Pulk works as a consultant for Strategic Maintenance Solutions of Gorham.
2016
On January 4, 2024, LT Patricia (Trish) Dunford took the Oath of Office at the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center in Lakeland, FL. Prior to this, LT Dunford served for eight years in the United States Navy, where she worked as a P-3 Orion Navigator and a P-8 Poseidon Tactical Coordinator. During her time ashore, she was stationed at Commander Task Force 69/169 in Naples, Italy, where she held roles as the Deputy of Foreign Plans and Policy and as the Department Head of Theater Undersea Warfare Future Operations.
2017
Erin Donlon was ordained as a deacon in the Catholic Church at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Maine, on May 25, 2024.
2018
Jackson Larrabee got married to his wife Jasmine in June 2023 at St Anne’s-by-the-Sea in Kennebunkport. They relocated from Eastport, Maine, and now live in Kennebunk, Maine. Larrabee also started a new position in May 2023 as Operations Manager for the Maine Port Authority.
2021
Joe Marriner joined Lynch Logistics, a division of The Lynch Group, as their new Business Development Executive. Marriner said the following about his new position, “My role in business development allows me to be constantly getting to know new customers and help find creative solutions to their needs. It’s perfect for me because at the end of the day, my success is directly tied to our customers’ success. I can go home at the end of the day feeling like I won because everyone around me won. We get to support our families and the families of the local companies that we help succeed every day.” He is married to his wife, Bari, and they are parents to three children: Elaina, Ezra, and Alexi, aged 7, 4, and 1, respectively.