Robert M. Spear ’72

Robert M. Spear ’72 died in Phippsburg, Maine on April 26, 2010. The son of a captain, Rob became a captain himself after graduation. First, he worked at Gamage Shipyard in South Bristol, Maine; then sailed on numerous Exxon Shipping Co. vessels as a deck officer. He left Exxon after sailing as a master for several years and sailed as a seagoing master for Coastal Corporation for five years before becoming a Penobscot Bay and River Pilots pilot. In 2004, he stopped piloting because of complications from his illness.

He will always be remembered as a skilled seaman who was unfailingly kind and compassionate.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and one daughter and one son. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capt. Robert M. Spear ’72 Maine Maritime Academy Scholarship Fund, c/o Capt. David Gelinas, Penobscot Bay & River Pilots, 18 Mortland Road, Searsport, Maine 04974.