Eugene H. Spinazola ’61

Gene Spinazola passed on January 14, 2017 in Sebastian, FL.  He grew up in Hopkinton, Mass and graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1957 and went on to College at Maine Maritime Academy, graduating with a Batchelor of Marine Science in Marine Engineering in 1961.  He shipped with Texaco as a ships engineer before working for General Dynamics in Groton, CT as a Nuclear Test Engineer in the submarine program.

In the fall of 1964 he returned to MMA and taught Nuclear Power Engineering.  In addition to teaching, he was involved with the football team under the direction of Coach Davis Wiggins, coached the International Life Boat Rowing Team, and was an advisor to the Scuba Club and the Hockey Club.

In 1968, while at the Academy, he started the Cadet Shipping Program which was the first Corporative Education program at the Academy.  He also served as the Director of Placement until leaving for graduate school.

In 1971 he completed his Masters in Education at the University of Maine and did Doctorial Studies at Indiana University.  His Doctorial program at Indiana was in The Administration of Higher Education.

In the fall of 1972 he returned to work for Texaco as a New Construction Superintendent for ship building in Europe.

He returned to teaching at the Academy in 1978 teaching Power Engineering Lab.  After a fire on the Training Ship, State of Maine, he developed a Shipboard Fire Training program.  This program was the first maritime academy United States Coast Guard approved, program in this country, and continues to this day.

He was a long time member of The Society of Navel Architects and Marine Engineers and served as Chair of the New England section of SNAME.  He started the student chapter of SNAME on campus.

In 1986 when the enrollment at the Academy had dipped below 400 students, he introduced the first non uniformed and non merchant marine program at the Academy, Marina Management and Small Vessel Operations.  This has allowed the Academy to develop some 12 additional degree programs and career paths for its students.

In 1995 he retired from MMA, Professor Emeritus.  In his own words, “There are no students more dedicated to their profession then those at Maine Maritime Academy. It was truly a special experience and honor to have taught here”.

He regrets leaving behind his loving wife Katherine, son Francis (Joe) Spinazola, and daughters Deborah Hudson, and Carol Pier, and 11 grandchildren.