Archive for June, 2025

Huntley Richard Roberts ’46

Posted on: June 10th, 2025 by bryan.wolf No Comments

passed peacefully with his family at his side. Roberts was born in Lawrence, New York, and graduated from Lawrence High School, MMA, and New York University. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Lieutenant JG. After leaving the Navy, he joined a family business, Brooks Fashion Stores, eventually becoming the Company’s Vice Chairman. He led the Company’s transformation from a credit store to a nationwide chain focusing on women’s fashion. The cornerstone of his strategy was to develop a new concept of opening stores in enclosed malls, which were opening across the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, and which he saw as the future of retailing. During his tenure, the Company grew from having 16 stores in 1963 to over 900 upon the Company’s sale in 1984. He later became a senior advisor and consultant at Prudential Bache Securities before finally retiring. Roberts was a strong supporter of his community and contributed to causes that he believed in. He was a member of the board of trustees of North Shore Hospital in Great Neck, New York, and remained a trustee emeritus of Northwell Health. He was a trustee of Nassau County Museum of Art and Vice President of Temple Beth-El in Great Neck. He was a warm and caring person who had a joy of living. His optimism, sense of humor and positive outlook will be remembered by all who knew him.

HELLO!!

Harold A. Armes ’47

Posted on: June 10th, 2025 by bryan.wolf No Comments

passed away on July 5, 2024.

HELLO!!

Donald A. MacVane ’49

Posted on: June 10th, 2025 by bryan.wolf No Comments

of Long Island, Maine, passed away on September 15, 2024.

HELLO!!

Chester F. Fossett ’50

Posted on: June 10th, 2025 by bryan.wolf No Comments

died on Jan. 26, 2025, at St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. A lifelong resident of Boothbay Harbor, Fossett grew up at Spruce Point. He attended Eastside Grammar School and graduated from Boothbay Harbor High School in 1947 and MMA in 1950. He shipped out for many years as a first assistant engineer for Farrell Lines traveling as far as South Africa and Korea. In 1962, Fossett left the sea, “swallowed the anchor,” and worked for John Hancock Insurance Company for 20 years. He also was a realtor for many years. He ran for Lincoln County Treasurer and served from 1970-1986 until he ran for Lincoln County Registrar of Probate in 1986 and served for a total of 44 years, retiring in 2014. Fossett was civic minded and volunteered at the First Methodist Church, Maine Republican Party, Maine Red Cross, Rotary, and the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library Board, served on the Boothbay Harbor School Board for many years, was a lifelong member of the Masons, and was president of the Boothbay Harbor YMCA. Fossett played the saxophone in the high school band and orchestra as well as in the MMA dance band. He taught racquetball at the YMCA, jogged, played tennis, golf, and volleyball. He loved the Boston sports teams, attending many Red Sox games with the whole family of three generations. A lifelong voracious reader, he may have been the best 94-year-old patron the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library had.

HELLO!!

Chester R. Tweedie ’53

Posted on: June 10th, 2025 by bryan.wolf No Comments

passed away December 24, 2024, at home. Tweedie graduated from Bucksport High School and went on to graduate from MMA before joining the Navy. Tweedie and his family moved across Maine and New Hampshire during his engineering career within paper mills. Tweedie enjoyed life to the fullest; flying planes, camping, fishing, boating, scuba diving, spending time with family, and he had a way with animals, both pets and those in the wild. Tweedie was always busy working outside or puttering on motors, boats, etc. Although Tweedie spent many winters in Florida, he was always with family in Maine for the summer, including many birthdays poolside or at the lake. Tweedie was a highly respected, caring and wonderful person, who will be missed by his family and friends.

HELLO!!

Donald H. Silke ’55

Posted on: June 10th, 2025 by bryan.wolf No Comments

died on March 6, 2025, after an extended illness. After graduating from MMA, Silke served in the Merchant Marines before enlisting in the Navy. At the completion of active duty, he relocated to the Washington D.C. area to pursue a career in civil service for the Department of the Navy. He retired in 1994 as the Director of the Shipboard Systems Division with the Military Sealift Command.

HELLO!!

Capt. Harlan R. Cust USN(Ret.) ’56

Posted on: June 10th, 2025 by bryan.wolf No Comments

passed away peacefully December 14, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Cust graduated from Old Town High School and then went on to MMA, where he graduated as an Officer for the U.S. Navy. He completed numerous tours all over the world and was the recipient of many medals, including the Bronze Star, during his 30 years of service. Upon retiring from the Navy, Cust went to work for a fleet waste management company in Florida for 12 years. Cust always enjoyed spending time with his children, their spouses, his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Cust also enjoyed playing tennis and golf with his family and friends. He sat on the City Council of Glenburn for many years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Old Town. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and person in general. Cust was a very loving person and was always willing to offer advice and words of encouragement to all.

HELLO!!

Joseph H. Vachon Jr. ’56

Posted on: June 10th, 2025 by bryan.wolf No Comments

died peacefully on February 19, 2025. He was born in Biddeford, Maine, and raised in Saco. He was a graduate of Thornton Academy, Maine Central Institute, and Maine Maritime Academy. His athleticism and his love for football supported winning teams at all three schools. Upon graduation from MMA with a degree in engineering, he was commissioned in the US Navy, where he served honorably, ultimately retiring with the rank of commander. He also worked as an executive for Texaco for 20 years. His entrepreneurial spirit supported later careers, owning and operating vacation rental cottages and lobster fishing. For many years, he operated a lobster boat out of Camp Ellis, Maine, and served as vice president of the Maine Lobsterman’s Association. He retired to Stetson in 1990. His passion for the outdoors reflected itself in continuous hunting and fishing trips, gardening, and cultivating an extensive fruit orchard. He selflessly shared his love of the outdoors with his four children who cherish the memories of many outdoor adventures.

HELLO!!

Charles E. Briggs ’60

Posted on: June 10th, 2025 by bryan.wolf No Comments

died on October 5, 2024. He graduated from Tabor Academy and MMA. After graduation, Briggs returned and sailed as a watch officer on the school training ship. Briggs was a dedicated Freemason of 65 years, having joined Hancock Lodge #4 as a midshipman at MMA, and later joined Orient Lodge in his hometown of Norwood, Mass. A self-taught organist, he enjoyed traveling to serve as the organist for many Masonic ceremonies. He rose to the level of 33rd degree, an honor bestowed on few Masons. He had an interest in trains and enjoyed taking cross-country trips. A lover of music, Briggs was drawn to the theatre organ. He was an active member of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS), Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of ATOS, and the Pine Tree Chapter of ATOS. He traveled to organ conventions and concerts and was well known in the theatre organ community for his ardent support of the instrument; in particular, fostering new talent. As a member, then later President, of the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter, he sponsored an annual “Young Organist Concert” at Babson College on the Chapter’s Wurlitzer Organ. In recognition of his support, Briggs was awarded the 2023 “Member of the Year” by the ATOS. Briggs was the owner/operator of C.A. Briggs, Company, a candy manufacturing firm started by his father. He moved out of the candy business and worked in the trucking and transport industry for C&D Warehouse Cartage, a company he started and operated with his friend and partner David Mullin.

HELLO!!

Richard C. Forrest ’61

Posted on: June 10th, 2025 by bryan.wolf No Comments

passed away on March 26, 2025. Born in Fitchburg, Mass., Forrest was a proud graduate of MMA. His career as a merchant marine and engineer was distinguished by his service aboard the SS Savannah, the world’s first nuclear-powered merchant ship, as part of the Atoms for Peace program. He also worked at Maine Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, where his expertise and dedication earned him the respect of all who worked alongside him. Throughout his career, he contributed to numerous engineering and community projects, always giving his best to both his work and the people around him. A resident of Wiscasset, Maine, for many years, his life was shaped by his love for the sea and his devotion to his family. In his later years, Forrest found great fulfillment in working with the Virginia Project Maine’s First Ship, a community-driven initiative, and his work as an engineer at the Boothbay Railway Village. He took great pride in these projects, knowing that his contributions would leave a lasting impact on his community and future generations. Beyond his professional achievements, he was a generous and thoughtful man who believed in giving back. His contributions to local causes, including over 20 years of service on the local shellfish and waterfront committees, as well as his love of the outdoors and vintage cars, made him a well-respected figure in Wiscasset. Whether volunteering his time or helping friends and family, his sense of humor and kindness touched all who knew him.

HELLO!!