The tradition of Eight Bells pays respect to deceased mariners and signifies that a sailor’s “watch” is over.
passed away on June 13, 2024, in Gorham, Maine, at the age of 101, a great loss for everyone who knew him. Alden graduated from Gorham High School, Gorham State Teachers College (USM), and MMA. He joined the Navy in 1942, as a Navy ensign; and served in WW II on the USS Sapelo AO-11, a fleet replenishment ship, refueling Navy destroyers at sea. Following WW II, he served 23 years in the Naval Reserve and retired as a Commander. Alden worked at several teaching and engineering jobs, before retiring and joining his father as a cabinetmaker. The beautiful, authentic period pieces built by Alden were collected throughout New England. Alden built their beautiful house with wood from the family woodlot, and he crafted nearly all the furniture inside. The house and woodlot sit on land that has been in the Alden family since 1755, and he had a deep connection with the property, regularly walking in the woods to Alden’s Pond and up onto the crest of Alden’s Hill. Alden loved being out on the ocean. He built or restored several wooden boats and enjoyed taking the family out for a sail around Casco Bay. A devoted member of First Parish Church of Gorham, Alden was a member of the First Parish Church choir from the time he was in junior high school until he was in his nineties. He sang many beautiful solos with the choir.
died on June 27, 2024. Lindsey was born and grew up in Rockland, Maine. Summer work at Snow’s Shipyard, an interest in boat building, and World War II led him to MMA. Following graduation, he received a 3rd Assistant Engineers license for steam and motor vessels of unlimited horsepower. He sailed on the S.S. America and three other ships of U.S. Lines as Jr. 3rd engineer. He wrote that after that “…one thing led to another.” He made his home in Rockland where he first worked as an engineer on fishing boats. Upon attaining his pilot’s license, he was appointed Captain of Mobil Oil Company’s Cape Ann Socony, a tanker serving islands of mid-coastal Maine and down east. He was elected to the Rockland City Council and served as chairman. Lindsey held several other positions with Mobil and finished his 33-year career as Senior Marine Representative in the U.S. Marine Division, retiring in 1985. Lindsey remained busy in his well-equipped basement workshop. He and his wife continued to live independently in their house and enjoy visits with many friends and neighbors.
passed away August 11, 2024. Born with a spirit that embraced adventure, Gregware was one of only two remaining graduates from the MMA’s class of 1949, a proud member of a cohort of 48 who persevered from an initial 200 classmates. His maritime education set the course for a rewarding career spanning more than three decades as a merchant marine, a vocation that took him across the globe, where he encountered diverse cultures and embarked on epic adventures. A man of unwavering honesty and warm hospitality, Gregware was a true gentleman in every sense. He had a remarkable ability to connect with others, never meeting a stranger and always leaving a lasting impression of kindness and respect. His love for the sea was paralleled only by his deep affection for his family. Gregware’s ability to listen and make others feel like the only person in the room was one of his most endearing qualities. A tradition dear to Gregware’s heart was their annual pilgrimage to Fenway Park, where father and son reveled in the thrill of watching their cherished Red Sox play. Gregware leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and integrity. His life was a testament to the virtues of hard work, respect for others, and a boundless curiosity for the world around him. Though he has set sail on his final journey, the memories he created with family and friends will remain as enduring as the waves he once sailed.
passed away April 8, 2024, at Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast. Morse attended Greer Corner School in Belmont for grades K-8, then Crosby High School for grades 9-12, graduating in the Class of 1947. He was a member of the Class of 1950 at MMA. Morse worked for the next five years for Texas Oil Company, working as a merchant marine engineer on the U.S. Wisconsin and the U.S. California. In 1955, Morse joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in California, New Jersey, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Illinois. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander after 22 years, serving as an officer on the US Lenawee/APA 195, the US Pawcatuck/AO 108, and the US Galveston/CLG3. Shore stations included teaching at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Military Training Officer at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, teaching firefighting and damage control courses, and at Naval and Marine Reserve Training Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. After retirement, the family returned to Belfast where Morse worked in refrigeration and maintenance for Penobscot Frozen Foods from 1972-2005. He also maintained and managed a blueberry farm in Belmont for 40+ years. In addition, during the 1970’s, he owned and operated the local Montgomery Ward franchise store for many years. Hal has resided at Tall Pines Assisted Living for the last few years where he enjoyed playing cards and companionship with the other residents.
passed away peacefully on June 20, 2024, at his High Crest Lake home. Born and raised in New Milford, New Jersey, he graduated from Hackensack High School in 1948 and MMA in 1953. Molke enlisted in the military, proudly serving his country as an officer in the Navy. He worked and retired as a teacher from Bergen Tech Vocational High School. Molke played basketball, soccer and baseball in high school, basketball in college, and loved playing softball and golf. He enjoyed gardening, walking, travel and his beloved New York Yankees, but mostly Molke enjoyed spending time with his family at High Crest Lake and Myrtle Beach, SC.
passed away peacefully at Ellis Hospital after a short illness surrounded by the love of his family on April 24, 2024. Adam was born in Tuxedo, N.Y. As a young boy, Adam and his family moved to Natick, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Natick High School. After high school, he graduated from MMA with a degree in Marine Engineering. He served as a lieutenant (LT, O3) in the US Navy. His naval service laid the groundwork for a successful career at General Electric in Schenectady, N.Y., with the Gas Turbine Sales Division. In retirement, Adam discovered a second calling as a general carpenter, using his skills in a more hands-on manner. Adam was there whenever you needed him. Beyond his professional life, Adam’s love for his family, the Yankees Baseball team, and his enjoyment of square dancing highlighted his passions in life.
passed April 24, 2024. Melcher served in the United States Navy for 33 years, attaining the rank of captain. He proudly served his country in multiple commands and facets, including as the commanding officer of AUTEC (Andros Undersea Test and Evaluation Center), on Andros Island in the Bahamas. After retiring from the Navy, Melcher continued to serve his country while working in shipbuilding for Bath Iron Works in Bath. Melcher was a Freemason. He served as the MMA Alumni Association’s President from 1986 to 1988. He earned a Post Graduate degree from the Calhoun Institute in 1966 while serving aboard the USS Nereus.
passed away August 16, 2024. Oldham was born in Lewiston, Maine, on January 3, 1935. He graduated from Edward Little High School in Auburn, ME and attended MMA. Oldham served his country honorably in the United States Navy and was discharged as a commissioned officer. He was employed for many years at Travelers Insurance Company. Oldham was very active in Boy Scouts of America during his youth and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a long-time member of Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church in Bloomington, Minnesota and most recently a member of Texas Corners Bible Church.
of South Portland, Maine, passed away on March 24, 2024. Phelps worked in the Merchant Marine as an engineer for many years, with his most cherished accomplishment being his involvement in the first nuclear commercial ship, the N.S. Savannah. Phelps loved to be around his family and the outdoors. He could often be found in his front yard, pipe in hand, watching passersby and engaging in friendly chatter with neighbors. His hobbies include woodworking, hunting and being outdoors. His legacy of hard work, love for his family, and dedication to his passions will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved him.
passed away peacefully on July 3, 2024. He attended Salem High School, graduated from MMA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering and later went on to earn a Master of Public Administration degree from Northeastern University. Harrigan proudly served in the Merchant Marines as a Third Assistant Engineer and was a U.S. Navy commissioned officer where he earned the rank of Lieutenant. After his service, he held positions as an Engineer with Stone and Webster Corporation and Air Control Equipment. Harrigan was also an entrepreneur and owned several successful businesses. Later in life, he took a position with the State of Massachusetts as a Project Manager with the Department of Corrections. Harrigan served on the Lynnfield Housing Authority and Lynnfield Water District serving as a Commissioner and Treasurer for many years until his death. Harrigan was an avid coin collector, member of the American Legion (Post 131) and a member of the Lynnfield Veterans War Memorial Committee.
passed away May 29, 2024, at Wentworth- Douglass Hospital after a brief illness. Scala graduated from Spaulding High School in 1959 and MMA in 1964 with a degree in marine engineering. Scala sailed for American Export and worked in the car business, where he was awarded Salesman of the Month three years in a row. Scala also opened and ran several restaurants in Maine and New Hampshire, including Scala’s Sub, Inn Town Restaurant, Marie’s Restaurant, Fisherman’s Net, and the Close to Home Restaurant. He ran the Kingswood Country Club Restaurant in Wolfeboro and Province Lake Country Club each for two summers. Scala loved the Patriots (especially Tom Brady), coast of Maine, cooking, reading books about the sea, horror movies, and time with his family.
passed away unexpectedly on April 30, 2024, as the result of a motorcycle accident. He was born in Portland, Maine, the son of Lester Irish and Lisa Taylor. Irish grew up in Gorham, graduating with honors from Gorham High School in 2020. He continued his education at MMA with a dream of traveling the world as Captain of his ship, with his own stateroom. He was very proud to be a part of the MMA family. He had just returned from a 12-week internship on a tugboat in the Gulf of Mexico, where he bunked with 3 others and left the ship only for groceries when in port. He handled the experience with his usual grace, style, and persistence — with only a little cabin fever near the end. President Jerry Paul shared that Irish was exactly the type of student they wanted: dedicated and hard working. When he put his mind to something, there was no stopping him. Irish brought a smile, conversation, and laughter to any situation. He was known for his respect for others, can-do attitude, tenacity, and the bright smile on his face. During a summer of door-to-door sales, strangers welcomed him into their homes and invited him to visit, play games, and meet their pets. He loved being on the water, downhill skiing, target shooting, motorcycles, and exotic cars. Irish made life better and brighter.
passed away April 20, 2024. Richarson was born in South Portland, Maine. He graduated from South Portland High School in 1961 where he was a star football player, editor, and played trombone in the marching band. He received his Marine Engineering degree from MMA, “the finest engineering school in America.” Richardson moved to Beaumont in 1967 where he worked for Texaco. After many years of sailing, he started at Bethlehem Steel as the night superintendent and worked his way up to the plant manager, where he was responsible for thousands of employees. His greatest accomplishment was bringing the only dry dock in the world from Hawaii to Port Arthur, Texas. The project took over a year. After 22 years at Bethlehem, he opened his own marine consulting firm until he retired. Richarson was a commander in the United States Navy and a Merchant Marine for 22 years. He was a member of the Hiram Masonic Lodge in South Portland, Maine, the Pontiac Club, and Texas Lonestar Buick Club. Richarson was a remarkable person with a dynamic and commanding spirit. He was classy and had a hilarious sense of humor, but still was mentally sharp as a whip until the end. His stories were captivating, and he could talk to you for hours. Richarson was better than any marketing or social media company, telling everyone they must go to Portland to experience “the greatest place on earth.” He was a self-taught drummer who played in the band, “Peter and the Jaguars.”
died on May 3, 2024, at home in Holderness, New Hampshire. Born in Plymouth, Mass., Anable grew up in Boothbay, Maine, where he lobstered with his father on the Damariscotta River and enjoyed the festive yearly family clambakes. A life on the ocean was his calling: he graduated from MMA in 1966, which led to a successful 38-year career in the Merchant Marines, where he achieved the rank of chief engineer. Anable loved living in Holderness where he could hike and bike in the scenic White Mountains, play tennis with friends, and sail on Newfound Lake in the summer. He was happiest cruising around in his bass boat on Squam Lake, always on the lookout for “The Big One.” Everyone who knew Anable enjoyed his sense of humor, his willingness to help with home projects and car maintenance, and his love for Italian food. Anable took pride in being the family chef, always ready to dish up a simmering pot of his homemade marinara sauce, a bowl of fish chowder, or a big basket of fried shrimp. Along with his passion for food, Anable loved to bond with his son-in-law over the Bruins, Red Sox, and all things chainsaw related.
died on April 6, 2024.
passed away on August 1, 2024. Jordan graduated from MMA as a marine engineer. He began his career shipping out as a third and second engineer with Gulf Oil. Later, he worked as a loss control representative for several insurance companies. Jordan enjoyed hunting and fishing with the guys, gardening and BBQing in the backyard, and, above all, spending time with friends and family. Jordan also enjoyed countless nights in Starks, Maine, where he built his camp by hand and could always be found on a 4-wheeler or tree stand. His love for the outdoors and dedication to his family were evident to all who knew him.
passed away peacefully at his home in The Villages, Florida, on April 5, 2024. Lucas grew up in Lisbon Falls and York Harbor, Maine. He was a graduate of York High School in 1965 where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He attended MMA and graduated with the class of 1969. He attained his Chief Engineers license while employed by Gulf Oil before he decided to find a job onshore to raise his family. He was a member of the Lions Club, Trustee of York Sewer District, and a member of Cape Neddick Country Club. Lucas was Distribution Manager at Nike and the Director of Distribution for Cole Haan before his retirement where he enjoyed many rounds of golf and bocce with family and friends.
passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024. Orr was a long-time resident of Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. He was a retired Merchant Marine and a retired tugboat Captain with Amboy Aggregates. Most recently, Orr was a Captain on the Miss Lotta on Lake Hopatcong. He was a parishioner of St. Jude RC Church in Hopatcong, a member of the Lake Hopatcong Elks Lodge, the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club, Rory O’More Pipes & Drums, and the American Legion. Orr enjoyed golfing, model building and playing the bagpipes but most importantly, he loved spending quality time with his loving family.
passed away at his home on July 20, 2024. Bartlett graduated from Calais High School in 1974. He continued his education at MMA, where he served as Regimental Commander and graduated in 1978 with a B.S. in Marine Engineering. Bartlett had a full career as a Merchant Marine, rising quickly to serve as Chief Engineer in the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command. He served over 20 years, earning many accolades along the way. After retirement from MSC, Bartlett continued to sail as a Chief Engineer with the Maine State Ferry Service. He loved his camp in the mountains, the company of his dogs, and his time spent on motorcycles. Bartlett enjoyed his motorcycle so much that he had it shipped to London while earning his master’s degree there. He took his motorcycle on many long trips, including across the US and most recently to Newfoundland.
passed away unexpectedly June 14, 2024, due to complications related to Parkinson’s Disease. Pelletier was raised in Topsham, Maine, and attended St. John’s School and Mt. Ararat High School. Pelletier received his Marine Engineering degree in 1983 from MMA in Castine, Maine. Upon graduation, he shipped out for two years. After experiencing an engine room fire where he saved two people’s lives, he decided to retire from shipping and went to work at Seabrook Station Nuclear Power Plant, Bath Iron Works, and General Electric. He worked in various roles at GE’s Medford service center, retiring in April 2021. Pelletier was brilliant and served in various roles/capacities for GE. He made and maintained lifelong friendships throughout his career and was diligent in his professional life which extended to his personal relationships. Pelletier was a master builder and personally transformed his house in Hampton. He was a lover of golf, all things New England sports, and above all else put his family first. He was active in his kids’ sports activities and never missed the opportunity to teach them a life lesson. He led by example – whether on the field or court, physical activity, or being the first to open a good bottle of red wine. Pelletier had an unmatched sense of humor. He was quick-witted and always the last one to give a one-liner.
passed away on April 24, 2024, in Ossipee, New Hampshire. He attended Portsmouth High School and MMA. Clark worked for Merchant Marine’s, BOC Gas, and Starboard Trade (his own business).
passed away July 8, 2024. Born in New York City, he was raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. Silverton received a B.A. from Lehigh University, an MBA from WNEU, and an M.S. from MMA. He served in the Army in the 1960s, and again in 1993, earning the Meritorious Service Medal for his dedicated longtime service. Silverton was a pilot for Allegheny Airlines, which became part of US Airways, and retired in 1990. He was an army pilot, a deck officer on army vessels, and sailed with the Merchant Marines as a 2nd Mate after his retirement from the military. Silverton was a former member of the Samuel D. Sherwood Lodge of Masons and a member of Sinai Temple.
passed away July 3, 2024, at his home. Caron graduated from Lewiston High School in 1987 and MMA in 1991. He served as a Chief Engineer for 20 years with American Maritime Officers. After retiring, he continued working as a Regional Project Manager for Covanta Energy Corporation. He was a die-hard fan of the New England Patriots and New Jersey Devils. He enjoyed watching horse racing, walking his dog Zoey, and competing against his family in Jeopardy. His favorite place to visit was his home state, Maine, where he enjoyed eating his lobster rolls, UFOs, Fergy’s, Super Burritos, frozen custard, and Red Snappers. Caron lit up every room he walked into and spent most of his time joking around. He always made everyone around him laugh. He was loved by all who knew him.
passed away on May 1, 2024. He attended Ellsworth High School, UConn (where he studied mechanical engineering), and MMA (where he earned an associate degree with high honors). Watson worked for HE Sargent Construction, Crooker Construction, and Bath Iron Works (in the electrical department).
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.
