Eight Bells
Philip J. Adams '43-1
Joseph W. Carr '52
died November 28, 2015 in California. He was
died October 13, 2015 in Maine. He
a member of the first class of MMA, the "Solid
spent two years as an engineer on a
28," and also the first senior midshipman officer
Gulf of Mexico oil tanker and then
Battalion Commander. The first class yearbook
joined the Navy where he served
reads, "He was an inspiration and an example to
aboard a mine-sweeper for two
the entire Corps of Midshipmen." The Board of
years. Once ashore, he worked for
Trustees graduated him with honors due to his
General Electric Corporation. Joe
"outstanding qualities of leadership, unswerving
volunteered for community service
devotion to duty and his high scholastic achieve-
in each town in which he lived,
ment." At his passing, he was the oldest member
including the rescue squad in Cush-
of the MMA Alumni Association. Phil attained
ing, Maine, and six municipal jobs.
licenses in the various grades from Third Mate
to Masters-Unlimited. He acquired his Masters
license in 1945 and maintained it for 56 years.
Frederick M. Conti '44
He came ashore in 1947 and began his insurance
died December 6, 2015 in Maine. He
career as an agent for Aetna Life and Casualty. He
was a merchant marine for a short
eventual y became Vice President and Director
term before entering the U.S. Navy
of Brokerage Agencies and retired in 1985. When
where he served aboard the USS
Leavitt Hal was renovated to include two suites
Bordelon (DDR881) in the North
for honored guests, one special room was named
Atlantic. When the Bordelon became
for Phil Adams '43-1, given by the members of
disabled, it was believed the ship
the Northern California Alumni Association
had been lost at sea but she man-
Carl L. Cross II '83
chapter. He was a World War II veteran, awarded
aged to return to port 30 days later. During the
died November 4, 2015 in Maine. He was an
Campaign Ribbons Atlantic, Pacific, Mediter-
Korean Police Action, Fred was recalled to duty.
engineer for Cianbro Construction for more than
ranean, Enemy Action and Victory medals.
He worked for American Greetings Corporation
20 years, which he loved along with his family,
Donations in his memory may be made to Maine
until 1986 when he retired. Throughout his life,
cooking and tinkering with projects.
Maritime Academy, Development Office, 1 Pleas-
he was active in philanthropic and civic organi-
ant St., Castine, ME 04420.
zations. A lifetime member of the Poland Springs
Country Club, he was the official starter of the
Michael C. Davidson '88
Maine Open Golf Tournament for 12 years.
John Lawry Brophy '47
was lost at sea October 1, 2015 sailing as Master
aboard the SS El Faro off the Crooked Islands,
died February 12, 2016. After graduating from
Bahamas during Hurricane Joaquin. Michael
MMA he worked with U.S. Lines from 1947-
Richard Dudley Crosby, Jr. `49
began preparing for his career as captain at
1967, then moved to Panama and was a captain
died December 29, 2015 in Florida. Richard
Casco Bay Lines before attending MMA where
and Canal Pilot from 1967-1988. John was a
received a Marine Engineering degree from
he received his BS in marine transportation with
member of the Boston Marine Society and the
MMA, a MS degree from George Washington
a management minor. He had great pride and
Harness Racing Association. He was a 32nd de-
University and an EdD degree from Virginia
love of the Academy where he was a member of
gree Mason, a member of the Abou Saad Temple
Tech. He was both a Korean War and Vietnam
the varsity footbal team and the Propeller Club.
in Panama, Royal Order of Jesters, and a 50-year
War veteran, serving as a Navy aviator from 1950
While sailing for several different companies,
member of the Siloam Lodge of Fairfield, Maine.
to 1956 and in the Army from 1956 to 1979. He
Michael earned his Unlimited Master's license
John was an avid golfer and Patriots fan.
was promoted to the rank of colonel in 1972 and
received numerous military awards during his
and his Prince William Sound pilotage. Michael
distinguished career, including the Bronze Star
was known for his infectious smile, outgoing
Douglas E. Bryant '66
and Legion of Merit (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster). Af-
demeanor and generous, meticulous and hard
died October 27, 2015 in Maine. His wife Judith
ter retirement, he served as Director of Graduate
work ethic. His favorite place to be was at his
writes, "After graduating from MMA, he went
Programs at the Kennedy Space Center campus
home in Windham, Maine with his wife and two
to sea, working for several shipping companies.
of Florida Institute of Technology and Director
daughters who adored him. He was also an avid
He retired due to medical problems in 1995 after
of the University of Virginia Graduate Center.
outdoorsman and registered Maine guide in both
achieving the rank of chief engineer. Doug's love
Richard was active in his community, including
hunting and fishing.
for the ocean was apparent as he spent summers
service as a Red Cross volunteer and a repre-
working on his lobster boat for many years." He
sentative in local high school ROTC programs.
and Judith lived in Eliot, Maine where they raised
He and his wife, Ann, were thrilled to be part of
their family.
Homecoming 2014.
38
MARINER / 2016 - ISSUE 1

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