The tradition of Eight Bells pays respect to deceased mariners and signifies that a sailor’s “watch” is over.
died on July 6, 2021. Nelson attended Morse High School and Fryeburg Academy. He graduated from MMA in the wartime class of 1943-2. Too young to serve, his father had to grant permission for Nelson to join the USCG-Merchant Marine as an engineer. During the war, he served on four ships providing ammunition, food, and other essentials to U.S. troops and allied countries. He loved the work but he disliked “being on a ship that couldn’t fire back at the enemy.” In 1946, Nelson accepted his commission to the U.S. Navy as an Ensign. Over the next 25 years, he served on several ships including destroyers, amphibious assault ships, LSDs, and guided missile cruisers. Nelson was awarded many decorations, medals, badges, commendations, citations and campaign ribbons, and retired in 1971. Following his distinguished service in the Navy, Nelson was employed by QED Systems, Inc., as well as Old Dominion University, where he was assistant director of ODU’s physical plant. Nelson proudly dedicated his life to the service of his country. Nelson was also a Mason and a member of Solar Star Lodge #14 A.F. & A.M, Bath, Maine. To those who knew him well, he was a rascal and raconteur, and a jack-of-all-trades.
passed away on July 3, 2021. Daley was in the 3rd MMA class, graduating in 1944 prior to entering the U.S. Merchant Marines where he served until 1947. He participated in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific Theaters during WWII. Daley retired from the U.S. Navy Reserves achieving the rank of Commander. He was recalled to active duty from 1968-70 as Chief Administrative Officer for the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, which gave him the distinction of serving in both WWII and during the Vietnam War. He earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of California Berkeley, 1954 and retired after 40 years with General Electric. Throughout his life, Daley maintained his chief engineer license which enabled him, at the age of 75, to become the engineer on the H.M.S. Rose sailing vessel. He held the position of President for the following: American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Reserve Officers Association California Chapter, Navy League New York, Naval Reserve Association, and the Portland Marine Society. In addition to sharing his adventures and experiences of his fascinating and full life with all who met him, he thoroughly enjoyed painting, was an avid reader, travelled the world, and danced with his lovely wife every opportunity he had. His pride and joy was that he designed and constructed his home on Sabbathday Lake.
passed away on May 10, 2021. Gascoigne was a graduate of the Kent School, CT., the University of Maine in Orono, and MMA. Upon graduation, he served with the United States Merchant Marines, traveling extensively as a Seaman. During his professional life he was a decorated salesman, first for New York Life and later, for the bulk of his career, for Hayden Publishing based in Rochelle Park, NJ. One of Hayden’s publications was the technical magazine “Electronic Design,” for which Gascoigne’s sold advertising space to many – including major, well-known public companies. Away from the sales world, Gascoigne loved Classical and Baroque music and was a long-time member of the Masterworks Chorus performing for several years during the Christmas season at both Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. He was an avid skier and golfer, shooting three holes-in-one during his life. One was at the Rockaway River Country Club in Denville, NJ, and two at his beloved Wawenock Golf Club in Walpole, ME. Including some early caddying days, Gascoigne played golf at Wawenock for over eight decades. When he wasn’t on the golf course, his ideal day was one spent at the farm, watching his garden birds, or sketching wildlife from his window while he listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He would never turn down a game of checkers with family or a day at the beach.
passed away April 8, 2016 in Benicia, Calif. He was a 1944 graduate of Sherman High School, and a 1946 graduate of MMA, where he became a Merchant Marine. He sought employment with General Motors company in Ohio in 1952, before returning to the sea. Soon after, he settled in California. He became a Captain of the Seas, sailing to numerous ports, both foreign and domestic, over his 33-year tenure. He navigated for the American President Lines the last 10 years of his career, retiring in 1987. He was a life member of Molunkus Valley Lodge 165 AF and AM in Sherman, and a member of the Benicia Yacht Club.
died on February 24, 2021. Born in Stonington, Maine, Small graduated from MMA then went to sea as an engineer. He had a great experience seeing the world and appreciating the people of other countries. Small came ashore to accept an offer from Travelers Ins. Co. as a safety engineer manager of their Portland office.
passed away on June 14, 2021. He resided in Presque Isle in the house his father built on Barton Street most of his life. While in high school he was class president for 3 years, including his senior year, served on student council and played trombone in the school band. He and 3 buddies played in a dance band called the “Top Hatters” for school dances. After high school, he attended MMA, graduating as a marine engineer in 1947. He sailed on the S.S. Washington and Southwestern Victory to locations all over the world. During this time, he attained the rank of Lieutenant J.G. in the Naval Reserve. (This later was humorous to his kids as his mail came to Lt. J.G. J. G. Cyr). He left the sea and began work at Maine Public Service Company in 1952. From Steam Plant Operator he worked his way up to Shift Chief to Shift Supervisor to Superintendent of Plants to Manager of Production. He retired after forty years to enjoy fishing and hunting and summers at Portage Lake. Cyr was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and a faithful Catholic all his life. He was also a member of the Toastmaster’s Club and a volunteer for S.A.D. 1 after retirement. His easy-going nature and often humorous quips made him one of a kind. He will be greatly missed by his family.
passed peacefully on March 1, 2021. Wentworth was born and brought up on a farm in Knox, Maine. He often shared cherished memories of his farm upbringing with his family. After leaving the farm, a boyhood dream came true. He proudly attended and graduated from MMA as an engineer. He continued his affiliation with MMA through the Maritime Reserves. Being faithful to and proud of his Alma Mater, Wentworth returned in the summers to enjoy MMA Homecoming. Wentworth started his electrical business in Searsport, then moved to Belfast and opened Wentworth Hardware Store on Waldo Avenue now known as the Wentworth Professional Building. His businesses grew to include WenBelle Apartment Complex and The Wentworth Event Center. Wentworth became very involved and invested in Belfast. He spent many years committed to the growth of the city as part of the Chamber. He maintained strong physical and mental health for his 91 years.
passed away on October 29, 2019.
passed away on May 2, 2021. Morris graduated from Presque Isle High School and MMA with a degree in engineering. Upon graduation, Morris became a marine engineer with Atlantic Refining Company, then accepted an engineering position with Stone and Webster building a steam generation plant for Maine Public Service in Caribou, Maine. His next career change was at Birds Eye Division of General Foods in Caribou, where he progressed from assistant plant engineer to plant engineer to production manager. In 1963 he became the first plant manager at McCain Foods, advancing to manager of manufacturing, vice president and eventually senior vice president of manufacturing for the international company. In 1988, he became president of McCain Foods Japan/Korea. Morris was active in the Canadian Food Processors Association, where he served on the Executive Committee, then as president. He received the first McCain Star Award in 2007 for distinguished service to McCain Foods and was inducted into the Potato World Hall of Recognition in appreciation for his work in the industry. Morris patented many of the cutting knives and heads used in the manufacturing process for French fries. Morris refined an idea from his youth to develop McCain “Superfries” which became the most popular oven reconstituted French fry in the world. He instituted the Agricultural Bargaining Council whose goal was to ensure a stable supply of product with improved quality. This was the forerunner of the popular “McCain Champion Grower” program. He also developed the “McCain Quality Performance” criteria and was an early supporter of the McCain Potato Processing Technology Centre.
passed away on April 17, 2021. O’Leary was born in Lewiston, raised in Auburn, and attended MMA. He also completed the Alexander Hamilton Institute’s course in modern business. He went on to receive a graduate tuition scholarship from Adelphi University where he earned a master’s in business degree and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science Degree from MMA, as well as being one of the first 12 inductees into that institution’s Wall of Fame. After service in the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Merchant Marine, where at the age of 25, was the second officer and navigator of the SS United States, making 254 transatlantic crossings from New York to Europe, he then became Commander of Midshipman at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. O’Leary then moved to Norfolk, Va., and became the assistant general manager of the Norfolk Port and Industrial Authority. In 1972 he founded Cruise International/ CI Travel which grew to become a national company with 2,500 employees and 55 offices in 12 states. He built, owned and operated a fleet of 14 600-passenger, harbor cruise vessels in the major port cities throughout the United States, including The Spirit of Norfolk.
died Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, at Knox (Maine) Center for Long Term Care. Merchant shipped for 21 years, and worked for the Maine State Ferry Service for ten years.
passed away March 20, 2020. He settled in Connecticut, where he became a manager for the A&P grocery store and later owned Ron’s Market. Following his stint in the grocery business, he enjoyed a successful career as a real estate broker. Reiff played the accordion and the organ and joined a successful musical group, performing in various venues in the area. He was philanthropic and social throughout his life, joining the Rotary Club and the Masons. He was also active in his church, serving for many years as an usher in the United Methodist Church in Zephyrhills. He was an amateur sailor for a number of years and enjoyed short trips in his monohull off the coast of New England. Reiff will live on in the memories of all who knew him as a kind man who was devoted to family and friends and one who gave generously of his time.
passed away on August 22, 2021. After graduation, Rollins was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. He received his wings of gold as a Naval Aviator in 1957. He attended Post Graduate School at George Washington University and was an instructor in the Engineering Department at the U.S. Naval Academy. During the Vietnam War he flew over 500 combat missions and was the Commanding Officer of VAQ-132 where he piloted the first combat mission for the EA-6B. He graduated from the U.S. Naval War College. He was the Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42). He was the Commanding Officer of the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Phoenix, AZ. After spending a year in Arabic language school, his final active-duty assignment was as the U.S. Naval Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt. Rollins retired from the Navy as a Captain (O-6) with 33 years of military service. His second career was with TCOM, L.P. as a project manager, site manager, flight director and trainer for the Aerostat surveillance system for almost 20 years. During this time, he spent two years as flight director aboard an Aerostat vessel in the Caribbean. Rollins was a volunteer and member of the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army in Glendale, AZ and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Glendale, AZ for 40 years. He is the recipient of the BSA Order of the Arrow Founders award for personifying the spirit of selfless service.
died after battling a long illness on April 12, 2021, in Novato, Calif. A 50-year resident of Bridgton, Maine, Wheaton graduated from Camden High School in 1955 and MMA in 1958 with a degree in Marine Engineering. Wheaton went to sea in the Merchant Marines after graduation and was routed through the Orient. In 1960, he completed the Maine State Game Warden Training and was stationed to Twenty Mile as a deputy warden. In 1961, he was transferred to Clayton Lake in the new Warden Camp Division I for four years, where he was then promoted to inspector warden and transferred to Division B then onto Division A. A few years later, he worked up to the rank of sergeant. Wheaton worked for and loved the Warden Service for more than 25 years. He was the true epitome of the north woods law. Wheaton retired from the warden service in 1985. Wheaton also was an accomplished certified PSIA ski instructor, earning his 30-year pin. Wheaton sold real estate in the Lake Region area and was a Shriner. He was an avid fisherman, small and large game hunter, and all-around outdoorsman. Wheaton was always looking forward to his next trip to the “Old House” and outdoor adventures in Patten. He loved baseball, which he played throughout high school and at MMA, and helped coach the local baseball teams.
passed away on May 21, 2021. A retired Navy Captain with 32 years of service and a graduate of MMA, Main worked for Disney and Viking cruise line as a Marine Engineer. He enjoyed watching or going to sports games.
died on May 6, 2021. Dionne graduated from Waterville High School and from MMA with a Marine Engineering degree. The day after graduation, Dionne traveled to New York City and was immediately hired by American Export Isbrandtson Lines and sailed aboard the USS Independence and the USS Exiria. He obtained his Senior Nuclear Operators license and sailed aboard the USS Savannah. The ship was greeted at many ports with fanfare and visited by royalty and dignitaries, many of whom Dionne educated on the peaceful use of nuclear power. American Export Lines contracted with Bath Iron Works to build container ships in 1966 and hired Dionne to be Resident Inspector of New Construction, overseeing the building of the Seawitch, Staghound, and Lightning. Dionne moved to Italy to oversee construction of the Taeping at Italcantieri Shipyard. Returning to Bath, Dionne continued to work on new construction at BIW, working for Farrell Lines container ships and State Lines roll-on-roll-off ships. In 1980, Dionne joined Philips Petroleum Company where he was Fleet Superintendent of oil tankers and oversaw new construction of tankers and liquid natural gas ships in China. Dionne worked as Production Manager to oversee design conversion of a tanker to a floating production and storage vessel. The tanker project took Dionne to Singapore for the ship conversion. Dionne transferred to Norway where he continued working with the tanker fleet and associated oil platform work until his retirement in 1995. He rejoined the workforce to work for Tycom Reliance as Deputy Director of New Construction on cable laying ships in Singapore.
died on April 23, 2021, from complications following treatment for lung cancer. Born in Newburgh, New York, he moved to Kennebunkport, Maine in 1947 where Graham enjoyed an idyllic childhood. His home was within walking distance of Cape Arundel Golf Club where Graham got a summer job as a caddy at the age of ten, rising to the level of caddy master. He was an athletic and gifted golfer, eventually becoming a decades-long member of Cape Arundel Golf Club. In recent years he belonged to Old Marsh Golf Club and enjoyed traveling to courses in Maine as a member of the Maine State Golf Association. Graham graduated from Kennebunk High School class of 1958. After graduating from MMA in 1961, he began his 45-year career at sea. He crossed the Atlantic several times, visiting ports from Germany to Italy, to the Caribbean, Argentina, through the Panama and Suez Canals, along the west coast and across the International Dateline to Hong Kong. He finished his career in 2003 retiring from Hvide Shipping as Captain of the Seabulk Magnachem. As his family grew, Graham stopped shipping internationally and settled into a more family-friendly routine of coastal shipping, between Searsport, Maine and Houston, Texas. Graham was a strong dignified man, a gentleman, a loving husband and supportive parent and grandparent. He enjoyed close friendships from golf, his time at sea, and MMA.
died December 31, 2020.
passed away. O’Reilly spent nearly 30 years at sea rising to Chief Engineer and sailing with Ogden Marine. He came ashore for an encore career as a Port Engineer for Ogden Marine (now OMI Corp). In retirement he split his time between a home in Canada and one in Florida. He is survived by his sons Bill O’Reilly ’86E and Christopher O’Reilly.
passed away on August 19, 2021. Fraser graduated from Lincoln Academy and MMA. He relocated to Ledyard, where he raised his family. Fraser was employed by General Dynamic, Electric Boat as a director and retired after 37 years in 2002. After retirement he lived in New Harbor, Maine enjoying family and friends. He had a great love for his children and grandchildren, they were the light of his life. Fraser was an avid Red Sox, Celtics, and Giants fan.
passed away April 1, 2021 at his home. He graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1960 and from MMA in 1964. Laney retired from Scott Paper in 1995. During his retirement Laney traveled to Hawaii, Scotland, Italy, and throughout Canada. Laney enjoyed hunting, flying, fishing, and making wine and furniture.
died May 15, 2021. Rucker grew up in East Haddam, CT before receiving his formal education in Maine. He graduated from Berwick Academy in 1961 and MMA in 1965, where he was a member of the football team and the yacht club. He would go on to serve as an US Merchant Marine mate and officer in various capacities for several oil companies and supplying ammunition during the Vietnam War. Rucker had returned to East Haddam to work for Dun & Bradstreet. He rose to the top of his field in credit and finance. In 1983, Rucker received his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from New Hampshire College. He also worked at Frye Shoe Co, Mr. Christmas, and United Solutions which required his unique skills within the credit department, specifically dealing with collections and delinquent leases. Rucker enjoyed buying, repairing and selling properties long before it became popular. Other hobbies included camping with the family, swimming, woodworking, and coin collecting. Most of all, Rucker enjoyed any time spent at the shore. He loved the water. In his MMA yearbook, it was said that “he could go into town with fifty cents and come back looking like he spent five dollars.” It was this rare blend of abilities that made him so successful in life.
passed away on January 29, 2021. After graduating from MMA, he spent several years employed by American Export Isbrandtsen Lines in various capacities. In later years, Tucker was employed as a manager/supervisor at the Stop & Shop warehouse in North Haven, and later became a realtor with William Raveis. Tucker was a modern day homesteader who enjoyed keeping a large vegetable garden, raising chickens and sheep, and heating his home with wood or coal. His love of the ocean never waned and he could be found boating and bird watching at Hammonasset State Park. Tucker made sure his children each had their boating license at a young age so they could share his love of the water. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who have precious memories of him playing board games and croquet in the backyard.
died June 27, 2021. He graduated from York (Maine) High School, where he played football, in 1963. After MMA, he served as a marine engineer in the Merchant Marine, traveling the world nine times. This period, as well as his time at MMA, provided ample material for many interesting stories, which he loved to tell to his friends and family. Fishing out of Perkins Cove in Ogunquit for over 40 years, Knight first had a dragger and later a lobster boat. Knight loved being on the water and deeply treasured his friendships with the other fishermen in the cove. A natural-born inventor, Knight was always thinking of ways to make something work better and was awarded three United States patents and a Canadian patent. Knight enjoyed cutting firewood and maintaining the fields with his tractor. He loved his family dearly, and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them. Always ready for a good conversation or story, Knight had an incredible wealth of historical knowledge of the area in which he grew up and that he loved, and the people and events that shaped it. His genuine and kind nature made him a delight to talk to and to know.
passed away March 18, 2021. Vaughn served in the United States Air Force while in high school, then upon his acceptance to MMA, he augmented into the United States Navy and graduated as a Lieutenant. He served in Vietnam with the Merchant Marines from 1968-1971. Vaughn retired as the Director of Worldwide Nuclear Power Operations for Worley-Parsons Corporation in Reading, Pennsylvania. He enjoyed sailing with his family on the Chesapeake Bay, hunting, fishing, working on trucks, wood-working, home improvements, family vacations in Maine, cooking, telling stories, teaching his kids everything he knew, coaching sports for his kids, and spending time with his family.
died unexpectedly on Sept. 20, 2021. Woodward graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1970 and served in the Merchant Marines from 1970 to 1987. He then sold real estate for a number of years. He enjoyed traveling around the world and would bring home keepsakes for his family. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles and unique cars, music,
and lobster.
died peacefully at home on July 24, 2021. A lifelong athlete and scholar, King swam at Orono High School, then ran cross country and studied history at Saint Anselm College. A dedicated runner, King both ran and timed road races all over eastern and central Maine for two decades, completed many marathons, coached the men’s and women’s cross country teams at Maine Maritime Academy, maintained a section of the Appalachian Trail in Maine, and was section hiking the A.T., southbound. His trail name was “Shortcut.” He worked as a financial analyst and institutional researcher at Maine Maritime Academy, where he was also a beloved mentor for student athletes. King loved his career and sought excellence in all he did.
passed away May 17, 2021. Gleason was a graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School, MMA, and he earned his MBA from Babson College, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and was awarded the Douglass Prize. After graduating from MMA, Gleason was employed at Bath Iron Works, Sylvania, and subsequently as a First Engineer for MEBA. He was also a yacht broker for several years and later purchased Fels Company. He concluded his professional career working at O&G Industries. His love for sailing started as a boy in Marblehead Harbor. From that point on, Gleason was recruited to be the skipper of any sailboat he ever raced on. While at MMA, he skippered the sloop, “Good News,” in races up and down the East Coast and was Commodore of the yacht club. He was also a member of the Portland Yacht Club.
passed away May 4, 2021. Young graduated from Sumner Memorial High School in 1969 and MMA in 1973. After graduation, Young worked at International Paper for the next 19 years. In 1993, he moved to Corea and traded in his “white hat” for a lobster boat. Most recently he was making and delivering heads for Friendship Trap. He was an active member of United Baptist and Eden Baptist Churches, as he was a man with a giving spirit who would go out of his way to help anyone in need before himself.
died June 26, 2021. Benson grew up in Bedford, N.H., and South Portland, Maine where he graduated in 1974 from South Portland High School. Athletics came naturally to Benson, and he participated in track and field, tennis, and baseball. A lover of all things nautical, Benson attended MMA, graduating in 1978 as a merchant marine. Benson relocated to Dover and continued sailing until his retirement in 2020. Over 40+ years, Benson worked his way up the ladder, ultimately achieving the high rank of Chief Engineer on a supertanker. In this role, he managed the ship’s engineering department and was responsible for the engine room’s safe, efficient operation as well as that of all shipboard mechanical equipment. Benson’s career took him to foreign ports of call around the globe, through the Panama and Suez Canals, and – as a part of his military contracts – into war zones. While docked in Africa he went on safari twice, sleeping under a starlit sky. At family holiday gatherings, he shared colorful tales of his seafaring adventures.
passed away unexpectedly on March 2, 2021. He graduated from Machias Memorial High School and MMA, earning a degree in engineering. His career allowed him to travel the world and make friends near and far. He worked internationally as well as throughout the country before retiring in 2020.
passed away peacefully on September 10, 2021 in Hermon. She graduated from Rosemary Hall, where she was a strong athlete and smart as a whip. She went to Colby College and discovered her love of Maine. While working at Castine Community Hospital, Hudson was instrumental in starting the Bagaduce Ambulance Service in 1977, training its volunteers and overseeing its services until 2012. After leaving Castine Community Hospital, she became a faculty member at Maine Maritime Academy where she taught Ship’s Medicine and Emergency Medicine. She also taught Emergency Medical Technician courses around Hancock County, and CPR and first aid to local elementary students, fire departments, and EMS response teams. Hudson earned multiple awards for all she did, including MMA’s “Unsung Mariner” which is given to a staff or faculty member who demonstrates outstanding community service and support of student life. She received the “Volunteer of the Year” from the town of Castine, the “EMS Special Merit Award,” and the “Maine State Citizen of the Year” for her contributions in Emergency Medical Services. She was also recognized by members of the Maine State Senate and House of Representatives on her retirement for her years of service to the citizens of Maine. Hudson was well respected and a mentor to many.
passed peacefully in his sleep on July 20, 2021. He was born in New Haven and grew up in Northford, Conn. as a very active youth, playing baseball, midget football and the fife in the Minute Men Dife and Drum Corp. He attended Xavier High School and participated in track and football. College life was spent at MMA, where he enjoyed another four years of playing football and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering. He had a number of exciting jobs that took him all over the world, as he would say, “he has sailed every sea.” He was the marine engineer aboard the Saga 9, Charles Payson’s yacht – owner of the Mets MLB and Louisiana Tug Boat Co. He served as a reserve officer Lieutenant (JG) United States Navy and shipped with O.R.I and TECO Ocean Shipping Inc. McKeown loved all sports and attended as many Tampa Buccaneers, Rays, and Lightning games as possible. He had many interests including the Patriots, Boston Red Sox, and cooking.
passed away on April 8, 2021. After graduating from high school in Avon, Conn., he served in the Navy from 1968-1969. Newton attended Central Connecticut State College, MMA, and the University of Southern Maine, earning degrees in civil engineering and postsecondary education. His working careers consisted of civil engineering, contractor, and electrician. Newton devoted 17 years coaching the YMCA swim team and he happily drove the bus to all the out-of-town meets.
passed away on April 3, 2021. Gilley graduated from Mt. Ararat High School in 2005 and enlisted in the Air Force, where he served for six years, including three tours in the Iraqi war. After his time in the Air Force, Gilley went on to get his bachelor’s degree at Southern New Hampshire University. He worked at BIW after completing their apprenticeship with MMA and then moved to Scarborough to start his life and career at Texas Instruments. He was always looking for the next adventure, unless it involved heights, roller coasters, or clowns. Truly a man of his word, Gilley would give the shirt off his back, the food off his plate, or money from his wallet if it meant someone could be helped. He lived with passion and an intense sense of empathy, but also was subject to depression, often finding things overwhelming to carry.
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 https://mainemaritime.edu/alumni/category/eight-bells/.
