Tag Archives: Obituary

Construction Worker/Commercial Fisherman David Earl Finifrock Jr. of Washington State, has passed away

Earl Finifrock Jr., born May 1,1966 in Ogden, Utah to father, David Finifrock Sr., currently of Tracyton, Washington and mother Cynthia Finifrock currently of Gig Harbor, Washington, passed away from a massive heart attack on Friday, February 16, 2024, at a construction site he was working on in Key Center, Washington. David was also a successful commercial fisherman, spending most summers for the past several years on his 50′ trawler, the “Sea Queen”, in the waters near Wrangell, Alaska, fishing for salmon. Most people who knew David would describe him as a good and honest friend, nephew, and cousin, a great craftsman, a wonderful son to his parents, and generally “one of the best guys you would ever want to know”. more, >>click to read<< 20:39

Retired Commercial Fisherman James Richard “Jim” Frederick of Anacortes, Washington, has passed away

On Feb 25, 2024 Jim passed away peacefully at home with his wife Dorothy and son Jim Jr. at his side. He was born in 1933 in Michigan to become a lifelong fisherman. He and Dorothy married in 1953, when he was at Fr. Bragg in the 82nd Airborne Div. After his honorable discharge, with wife and son in tow, he left for Washington in 1960 in search of bigger fish, to which he dedicated his life and almost only topic of conversation. He retired from commercial fishing at age 78 (his call sign was affectionately known as “Grumpy”) and turned his attention to sport fishing and added another layer to his preferred topic of conversation. He will be sorely missed in this household. more, >>click to read<< 09:34

Charles Michael Parker of Cape May Court House, NJ, has passed away

Born in Ocean City, Maryland to the late Charles A. Parker, Jr. and Charlotte (Hobbs) Parker, Mike spent his early life on the beaches of Ocean City, graduating from Stephen Decatur High School, Berlin, Maryland in 1959. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he spent six years serving his country in Heavy Attack Squadron Eleven (VAH-11) aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt.  After many years of working in the engineering field, Mike returned home to Ocean City, Maryland and joined his father in commercial fishing management at Davis and Lynch Fish Company. In 1980 Mike and his family moved to Cape May, NJ to pursue opportunities at Lund’s Fisheries and later forming Atlantic Cape Fisheries. Switching gears in 1985, Mike and his wife, Gloria acquired the Country Greenery, which they have owned and operated with their family for 40 years. more, >>click to read<< 11:44

Lifelong Commercial Fisherman Jason Libby of the Saint George Peninsula, has passed away

Jason Libby, a lifelong resident of the St. George Peninsula, died in his sleep at home, on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. Jason graduated from Georges Valley High School in Thomaston in 1992, where he played soccer, was the class clown and made his mark on all those around him. He started his lifelong commercial fishing career while still in school, fishing for scallops, shrimp, and groundfish with his father, Glen, and uncle, Gary, on the family fishing boats out of Port Clyde. Later, Jason also spent time fishing on boats out of Gloucester and New Bedford, Mass. as captain, mate and crew. He fished with his uncle Wayne, brother Justin, longtime captain Stephen Sukeforth, and on many other boats with dorymates who loved and respected Jason. Jason enjoyed spending his free time with his children and grandchild, going out of his way to ensure they were cared for and loved. more, >>click to read<< 13:45

Retired Commercial Fisherman Darryl Olson of Petersburg, Alaska, has passed away

Darryl Olson was born on January 18, 1942, in Petersburg, Alaska, to Dagney Marie (Loseth) Olson and Paul “Bud” Ivar Olson. Darryl grew up fishing with his father, Paul. He attended Petersburg High School and after graduation he married his dream girl, Mary Ann Hasbrouck, on March 10, 1962. They were happily married for fifty-nine years, when she preceded him in death in 2021. He worked for J&H Logging as a choker setter until he started his career as a commercial fisherman. After leasing two boats, Darryl bought the F/V Miss Helen. In 1972, Darryl and Mary Ann began building their Petersburg home. That same year, Darryl purchased his dreamboat, the F/V Mary Ann, with the help of Robert Thorstenson and Tommy Thompson, of Petersburg Fisheries, Inc. more, >>click to read<< 10:45

Lifelong commercial fisherman Jeremy Davis of Maine, has passed away

Jeremy G. Davis died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at York Hospital after a short illness. Jeremy was a lifelong commercial fisherman. He crewed and eventually captained boats for others out of ports in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts in his early years. Eventually, Jeremy purchased his first commercial fishing boat, a 42′ boat fittingly named the F/V Chutzpah. This allowed him to stay closer to home, support his young family, and avoid the extended offshore trips on larger vessels. His love for fishing was not just a job; it was his life’s work. Jeremy was an extremely hard worker who rarely took a day off from running his fishing business. He eventually purchased his largest boat, the F/V Karen Lynn I, named after his wife of 42 years. Jeremy captained that boat until his semi-retirement a few short years ago when he started spending winters in Port Charlotte, Florida. more, >>click to read<< 09:34

Commercial Fisherman Jimmy Bourque, Sr., of St. Martinville, La, has passed away

Jimmy Bourque, Sr., a dedicated commercial fisherman, has sadly passed away at the age of 77, in his hometown of St. Martinville. Born on December 11, 1946, Jimmy’s departure on February 3, 2024, has left a void in the hearts of his loved ones and the community he cherished so deeply. Throughout his life, Jimmy exemplified a profound love for the Atchafalaya Basin. His passion for fishing was unmatched, and he would often lose track of time by the sounds of nature and the stillness of the water.  The peace and tranquility he found in the Basin was captivating; it was a place where he could rejuvenate his spirit and connect with the natural world. more, >>click to read<< 19:06

A Voice for Commercial Fishermen – Sharon Lee Peele Kennedy of Buxton, North Carolina has passed away

Born February 9, 1956, Sharon Lee Peele Kennedy, a lady known for her beautiful smile and her passion for life, passed peacefully at her home in Buxton on January 26, 2024, with her beloved sons by her side and surrounded by her loving family. Sharon was the force that started NC Catch and became a voice for the commercial fishing industry. Sharon’s name will forever be part of NC Catch, Outer Banks Catch, and the Outer Banks Seafood Festival. Being the daughter of a commercial fisherman, her passion ran deep for the industry. Just as passionate about cooking, Sharon wrote multiple cookbooks and hosted a radio show for the past ten years that carried the name of her cookbooks, “What’s for Supper.” more, >>click to read<< 08:55

Commercial Fisherman Corey Lee Goodwin, 66, of Ashland, N.H. passed away

Corey Lee Goodwin of Ashland passed away in his home after a fearless battle with cancer on Jan. 19, 2024. He was 66 years old. Corey was born on Oct. 11, 1957, in Biddeford, Maine, and the world was never the same. He immediately became a waterman, growing up on the ocean, always aboard a skiff equipped with an outboard motor and a fishing pole, where he loved catching mackerel and striped bass in his teens. You could catch him on his family’s fishing boat, “The Striker,” with his father and brother. After graduation from Kennebunk High School, he continued his fishing career and fished on his family’s new boat, “The Bompa C.” He eventually landed on his best friend John Green’s ground fish dragger “Leonore Rinder,” and they continued their journey together fishing on another dragger the “Trippolina.” Corey purchased his own dragger, the “Lively Lady,” and captained it until an unfortunate accident in his late 20s, where the boat was lost at sea. Following the accident, he purchased a lobster boat called the “Yankee” and ran that through his 30s. more, >>click to read<< 14:22

Charter/Commercial Fisherman Gilbert R. “Moon” Tillett of Wanchese, N.C., has passed away

Gilbert R. “Moon” Tillett crossed the bar for the last time on January 21, 2024. A native of Wanchese, he was born on December 17, 1929, to the late Leslie R. “Billie” Tillett and Lennie Basnight Tillett. Known as one of the original charter boat captains, Moon helped pave the way for what charter fishing is to the Outer Banks today. He ended this career in 1965 when he bought his first trawler, the Captain John Duke. He fished commercially up and down the East Coast from Massachusetts to Georgia. In 1975, he purchased another trawler, the Linda Gayle, and in 1977, he began a seafood business, the Moon Tillett Fish Company, selling seafood all over the world. In 1979, Moon purchased another trawler, the Gallant Fox. A strong advocate for the stabilization of Oregon Inlet, Moon spent many tireless hours alongside others trying to promote this cause. In 2012, he received the Living Legend Award. more, >>click to read<< 15:40

Well known and successful Gloucester Fisherman Edmund W. Lakeman has passed away

Edmund W. Lakeman passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in Port Charlotte, FL on Sunday, January 14, 2024. Ned was a well-known and successful commercial fisherman out of Gloucerter, MA and Portland, ME. fishing with his four sons and many others over decades. he was predeceased by his wife, Jacqueline, in April. He was also predeceased by his two sons Larry and Fred. Edmund is survived Hy his sons John Lakeman of Florida and Ned Lakeman of Maine. Edmund has 7 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, A private service will be announced this summer. >>Link<< 09:40

Commercial Fisherman Thomas Woodrow “Tommy Derr” Johnson of North Carolina has passed away

Thomas Woodrow “Tommy Derr” Johnson, 80, crossed the sandbar on January 5th, 2023 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC after a short illness. Fishing was Tommy’s life. For nearly 70 years, he spent the majority of his time beach “seine” fishing with a truck & dory and whatever hands he could get. Of those hands, he spent many years teaching & passing along his knowledge and experience of his craft to many cousins, nieces, nephews and scallywags along the way. He also loved gillnet fishing in the Sound and crabbed & shrimped for fun with family recreationally. When not fishing for a living, he spent many a day hanging and mending nets, working on boats, gear or docks. Even well into his seventies , Tommy had dreams to go on one last fishing trip. more, >>click to read<< 08:15

Captain Darren Stanwood Sr. of Orland, Fla, has passed away

Darren Stanwood Sr. of Orlando, FL, formerly from Gloucester, MA, died on January 9, 2024. He loved and worked at sea. On his last 10-day trip, on the way back to port, he became ill and passed away at the St. Petersburg Hospital in Florida. His final moments were at the sea doing what he loved. He was an accomplished commercial fishing captain. He fished out of Gloucester, the Gulf of Mexico, and the southern Atlantic. His passion was fishing, and he was great at it. He was admired and respected by those who worked with and for him for over 44 years. more, >>click to read<< 08:10

Michael Burden Clarkin “Captain Mike”, of North Carolina, has passed away

Michael Burden Clarkin, born in Corpus Christi, Texas on October 21, 1950, died on the Outer Banks of North Carolina on January 5, 2024, after a long illness. On the Outer Banks, Mike found his happy place and spent the rest of his life there. This is where “Captain Mike” was born. He spent years at the helm of multiple charter and commercial fishing boats, even gaining the honor of Captain of the Year in 1994. If you were to look through the annals of captains on the Outer Banks, you would find many who started under the guidance of Captain Mike. more, >>click to read<< 11:30

Waterman Joshua Wade Hinman of Cape Charles, VA, has passed away

Joshua Wade Hinman, 37, husband of Erika Etz Hinman and a resident of Cape Charles, VA, passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at his residence. A native of the Eastern Shore, he was the son of Peter Jackson Hinman and Donna Raye Doiron Hinman. He was a life-long waterman and was respected as one of the most prominent watermen on the Eastern Shore, was a hard worker, but above all he was a loving son, husband and dad who loved his family. In addition to his loving wife and parents, he is survived by three children, Elijah Wade Hinman, Jackson Frederick Hinman, and Julian Kane Gorman  more, >>click to read<< 10:14

William Deas: East Neuk fisherman who skippered Reaper dies at 98

William Coull Deas, the embodiment of the once-thriving Scottish herring fishing industry, has died aged 98. Born in Cellardyke, from the age of 13 he fished all over Britain following the herring shoals. His father was a fisherman and his mother was a herring quine. William, known as Coull or Coulli, saw service with the Royal Navy during the Second World War before becoming a shareholder of the East Neuk boat, Fruitful. In more recent years, Coull skippered Reaper, a 1902-built two-masted herring drifter which had been restored by the Scottish Fisheries Museum at Anstruther. Photos, more, >>click to read<< 07:04

Army Veteran/Retired Lobsterman Terry O. Brewer of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, has passed away

Terry O. Brewer, 88, passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a long courageous battle with dementia. He passed away the evening of Dec. 17, 2023 in his home in Boothbay Harbor that he purchased in 1958 and resided in until his passing. He was born in Boothbay Harbor on Jan. 29, 1935, the son of Norman Brewer Sr. and Mary Doyle Brewer Pinkham. Terry grew-up spending summers on Fisherman’s Island, where his mother and stepfather resided seasonally. He began his love for working on the water while being a stern man for his stepfather. Terry attended Boothbay schools and graduated in 1954. Following graduation he enlisted in the Army, serving overseas in South Korea. After serving in the military, he returned to Boothbay Harbor where he began his career as a lobsterman. Later, he worked at Bath Iron Works as a pipe fitter for a decade, while continuing lobstering. He retired from lobstering at the age of 77. more. >>click to read<< 12:10

Commercial Fisherman Peter Allen Zuanich of Anacortes, Washington has passed away

Peter Allen Zuanich was born September 3, 1946, in Bellingham, Washington. He passed away peacefully on November 24, 2023, in Oak Harbor, Washington, with his wife, Kimberly, by his side. Peter graduated from Bellingham High School and Central Washington University. Though he graduated with a degree in business, he ultimately followed in his father’s wake, working for many years as the owner and captain of commercial fishing vessels along the coasts of Alaska and California. A celebration of life will take place at 1pm on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at The Boathouse in Zuanich Point Park. more, >>click to read<< 08:05

Coast Guard Veteran, Retired Commercial Fisherman Vito J. Calomo has passed away

Vito J. Calomo, 79, of Gloucester husband of the late Josephine R. (Curcuru) Calomo passed away peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Care One at Essex Park Nursing Home in Beverly. He was born in Gloucester on April 19, 1944, son of the late Joseph “Sandy” and Rose M. (Loiacano) Calomo. Vito was a graduate of Gloucester High School, Class of 1962 and later attended North Shore Community College, receiving his associate degree in business. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard. He had several jobs throughout his life but being on the water as a fishing captain was his greatest passion. He enjoyed flying fish spotting planes, was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan but most of all was spending time with his grandson and namesake, Vito. more, >>click to read<< 09:35

Lifelong Commercial Fisherman Carlton Maxwell Muse, Sr. of Pamlico, North Carolina has passed away

Carlton Maxwell Muse Sr. passed peacefully at 92 years old in his home on Sunday, November 12, 2023, while watching the sunrise over Broad Creek. According to his birth certificate, Carlton was debatably born on July 31, 1931, but his mother told him otherwise. Carlton “Mack,” or “Son” as he was referred to by his parents, was as salty as they come. He was a proud U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, serving in both active duty and USCG reserves. He was also a lifelong commercial fisherman, who was once air lifted off the F/V Miss Pamlico when she hit the bottom in Oregon Inlet. Year after year he would trawl the waters from the Mid- Atlantic all the way to Key West, Fla. He loved fishing so much that he would move his family to the Keys once a year, just for shrimp season. Carlton and his family would always find their way back home, to Little Pamlico. When he finally grew tired of the wind in his face, the salt in his hair, and missing Shirley May way too often, he opened C.M. Muse Seafood.   >>click to read<< 07:40

Commercial Fisherman William ‘Buzz/Buzzer’ Alexander Ropes III, of Round Pound, has passed away

On the evening of Oct. 26, 2023, Buzz Ropes passed away peacefully. Buzz was born Feb. 27, 1948 in Montclair, N.J., to Bertah Whitney “Bud” and William A. Ropes II “Bill.” Shortly after, Bill introduced his wife and son to his beloved state of Maine, driving from New Jersey in a model T Ford. Buzz spent his childhood in Round Pond with his sisters, Susan and Claudia. After graduating, Buzz spent the majority of his time on the water. His mentor, Cheever Prentice, instilled a passion for fishing and lobstering. He learned much from “Cheevah” while working as his sternman aboard F/V Harmony. It was this experience that shaped his future on the water. Buzz had a very successful career as a commercial fisherman spanning over 37 years and three boats: F/V Karen R., F/V Great Spirit, and F/V Harmony..>>click to read<< 14:34

Lobsterman Ray Merriman Sleeper of South Thomaston, Me., has passed away

Ray Merriman Sleeper, 64, passed away surrounded by his loving family, Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at the Sussman House in Rockport, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Ray began his career as a lobsterman on Criehaven with Sonny Davis, and later with Parker Jackson. After Parker retired, Ray bought the boat from him, striking out on his own. Both of his children went out with him on many well-remembered trips. His daughter remembered Ray letting them save the extra things that came up in his traps in a bucket to explore later. When his son, Cyrus, eventually followed in his footsteps, becoming a lobsterman himself, they rigged a few boats together for him. >>click to read<< 13:22

Commercial Fisherman Robert Maxwell “Bob” Salter of Santa Cruz, California has passed away

Family and friends are mourning the loss of beloved uncle and trusted friend, Bob Salter, who passed away at his Santa Cruz home with his loving family at his bedside. Bob was born in Santa Cruz to Frederick Salter and Fern Rianda Salter, he attended Delaveaga, B40, and Harbor High School. His father taught Bob the joy of fishing and love of the Sea. He grew up surfing and fishing with his brother Gary. His former boat was the Francis Jolene in the Santa Cruz Harbor. He fished for many seasons in Alaska and would visit family in Canada along the way. Bob had a lifelong career of commercial fishing and most recently fished out of Santa Cruz Harbor with Rick Ryan and his niece Bonnie Salter. >>click to read<< 10:27

Commercial Fisherman Scott Allan Fulford of Peabody, MA, has passed away

Scott Allan Fulford, 69, of Peabody, MA, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2023 at the Kaplan House with his family lovingly by his side. Scott was born on July 26, 1954 in Gloucester, MA to Robert and Mary “Mairi” (Sylvester) Fulford. It was here that his true love for the water began. He grew up in East Gloucester, learning all the ins and outs of the commercial fishing industry. He began working alongside his father at the age of 12. He would work in the family business before and after school. Fishing was the Fulford way of life. It was all that they knew. It has been said that Scott never needed maps; he intuitively navigated the waters. After graduating from Gloucester High School in 1972, he went on to carry out his high school goal of owning his own fleet of fishing vessels. He was the proud Captain of Lisa Marie, Sea Hag, The Rolling Stone II and Step Two. Like so many other fishermen, and his dad before him, he worked on the infamous Phyllis A. >>click to read<< 10:47

Commercial Fisherman Mark David Rose of Falmouth has passed away

In Loving Memory: Mark David Rose of Falmouth passed away at home in Falmouth on September 30, 2023, from liver cancer and complications, surrounded by family. A restless spirit, Mark left school and started commercial fishing out of Provincetown on the Silver Mink and other boats in the 1970s and 80s. He loved Provincetown deeply with its fishing and Portuguese heritage. Mark moved to Falmouth in the late 1980s where he fished commercially out of Woods Hole, Fairhaven, and New Bedford. He began his own inshore quahog and scallop fishery in the 1990s and continued to fish offshore from commercial ports. Mark leaves behind his two beautiful children. >>click to read<< 08:56

Sternman Larry S. Cromwell of Westport Island, Me., has passed away

Larry S. Cromwell, 62, of Westport Island, passed away on Oct. 11, 2023, with his family by his side following a long struggle with cancer. He was born on Aug. 13, 1961, a son of Francis and Phoebe (Greenleaf) Cromwell. Larry graduated from Morse High School. He worked with his father in construction before becoming a sternman on his grandfather’s lobster boat, which was by far his favorite job ever. Larry also worked with Asplundh Tree Service, Stinson’s Cannery in Bath, Riley’s Cannery, and the City of Bath Cemeteries and Parks Division. Larry enjoyed playing cards, listening to music, watching TV, animals, and talking about good childhood memories of growing up on Westport Island. >>click to read<< 19:37

Commercial fleet owner Julius Leroy Whorton of North Crolina has passed away

Julius Leroy Whorton, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. Leroy, as he was known, was born in South Creek, North Carolina. on March 31, 1939, to the late Clara Myrtice Mayo Whorton and the late Julius Timothy Whorton. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Daniel Atwood Whorton. Leroy graduated from New Bern High School in New Bern, North Carolina, Georgia Military College and received scholarships to play football for Wake Forest and University of Georgia. After college, Leroy built his career in the seafood industry with a fleet of commercial fishing boats, working the oceans from Alaska to Texas, Key West to Virginia, and North Carolina to Nova Scotia. >>click to read<< 10:54

Marine Constructor/ Commercial Shrimper Arnold Roland Melton of Wilmington, N.C. has passed away

Arnold Roland Melton, 67 of Wilmington, NC affectionately known as Bimbo, quietly sailed away on Monday October 9, 2023, leaving behind a wake of laughter and cherished memories. Born in Wilmington, North Carolina on August 9, 1956, Bimbo was a true saltwater soul, forever tied to the shores and seas that he loved. Bimbo’s career spanned various marine adventures, from his days in Marine Construction to his time as a Commercial Shrimper. He rode the waves with a spirit of determination and grit, always ready to conquer whatever obstacles lay before him. When Bimbo wasn’t busy conquering the high seas, you could find him cheering on his favorite NASCAR drivers with a cold brew in hand. His passion for speed and competition was unmatched, and he took great pride in sharing his love for the sport with his family and friends. >>click to read<< 14:50

Commercial Fisherman Arnold Herbert Benner of Friendship, Maine, has passed away

Arnold Herbert Benner passed away at his home in Friendship on Thursday, October 5, 2023, with his family at his side. Recently celebrating his 80th birthday, he was born in Damariscotta on April 8, the son of Herbert & Anne Benner.  He grew up in Friendship, started lobstering as a teenager and fished for more than 60 years. He won the title of the fastest lobster boat in Friendship three times. He graduated from Waldoboro High School. He bowled at DePatsy’s Lanes in Waldoboro, and with his wife, Alice, and was a member of the Coastal Clippers Square Dancing club. Arnold and Alice traveled around the country with family and took road trips to visit family and friends in Connecticut, Florida, Virginia, and Alabama. Highlights for Arnold included a ride in a race car at Daytona and driving his truck around the Talladega Superspeedway at 92 mph. >>click to read<< 19:54

Lifelong Chatham Fisherman Arthur “Sonny” Mallowes has passed away

Arthur “Sonny” Mallowes 95, passed away at home, surrounded by family and his 4-legged buddies. He was the genuine article; a true Chathamite. Born at Cape Cod Hospital, son of Edward and Cecilia Mabel Mallowes, he lived a solidly good and simple life. He entered the Coast Guard after High School and was stationed on the Handkerchief Shoal Lightship, serving his country on the water and then went on to serve his family as a fisherman. Sonny met his future wife, Thelma Morrell, on a blind date arranged by her cousin. They married 6 months later. They are both survived by two sons, Edward and David Mallowes, their wives and families. He was particularly proud of son Edward being the Captain of a New Bedford scalloper and of David being a lobsterman. He was a lifelong Chatham fisherman, well into his eighties. If you knew Sonny, you knew he had nine lives. Two of them involved falling overboard, once in his youth from the Lightship, and once in his senior years while quahogging locally. >>click to read<< 008:58