Tag Archives: Obituary
Commercial Fisherman Andrew (Andy) Paul Babich of Gig Harbor, Wa. has passed away
Andrew (Andy) Paul Babich passed away peacefully at home in Gig Harbor, WA, surrounded by loved ones, on November 16, 2024, at the age of 58. He was born May 16, 1966, to Nick and Delia (DeeDee) Babich in Tacoma, WA. He remained a lifelong third-generation resident and commercial fisherman of Gig Harbor. Andy spent his childhood years on Chinook Avenue with brothers, friends, and cousins, and never missed an opportunity to spend time with his Dad on the F/V Sonia, and later the F/V Maria. After his Dad passed in 1985, 19-year-old Andy, alongside his brother, Nick, took over the family fishing operation in Alaska and on Puget Sound, becoming one of the youngest captains in the fleet. In 1997, he purchased the F/V Ocean Dream, fishing salmon, squid, sardines, and Dungeness crab with his younger brother, Mike, who crewed with him for many years. more, >>CLICK TO READ< 11:08
Point Pleasant fisherman James N. Mathews has passed away
James Nestor Mathews passed away on December 4th, 2024 after 80 years of living life to its fullest. Jimmy spent over 60 years doing what he enjoyed most, catching fish from his home port of Point Pleasant NJ. He was born on October 9 th , 1944 in East Orange NJ and moved with his parents and siblings to Point Pleasant, NJ in 1956. It was there that Jimmy’s life long love of fishing took root, as he started working with his dad on his party boat the Flying Fish in the early 1960’s. During those early years with his father, Jimmy became interested in the local commercial fishing scene, and learned how to gill net, along with his life long friend Joey Pierce on a small skiff operated by Adolph Lovgren. It wasn’t long before Jimmy and Joey bought their own Skiffs to pursue the American dream. After a few years Jimmy was ready to move into a bigger boat and bought the Five Devils in 1971, a 57-foot-long dragger that worked out of the Fisherman’s Dock Co-op. He renamed it the Chrissy James and soon developed a reputation of fearlessness by fishing in some extreme weather conditions. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 16:36
Commercial Fisherman/U. S. Army Veteran Jack Benton Cartwright of Oregon has passed away
Jack Benton Cartwright was well known for his kindness and enthusiasm for life. He was a force of nature, and many have described him as “one of a kind.” Jack was born March 16, 1944, to Charlie and Okema Cartwright. He was raised on the Seaside Golf Course, which his parents owned until 1971. Jack graduated from Seaside High School in 1962, and shortly after he joined the U.S. Army. When he returned, he began logging in Alaska before starting his career as a commercial fisherman. After a few years of fishing, he and David Kelly bought the Arrow, and were exceptional halibut longliners. In 1979 he met Jane, who was working in Seward, Alaska, and was interested in fishing. In 1986, they bought an 80-foot steel boat and named it Kema Sue, in honor of his late mother and sister. Jack and Jane were married in front of family and friends, at a fun-loving celebration at Little Beach in Gearhart. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 14:39
Commercial Fisherman/Vietnam Veteran Ronald Raymond Rust of Kenai, Alaska, has passed away
He spent his younger years living in Fairbanks. Ron and his wife Kathy moved their family to Kenai in 1981, where he lived until his passing on October 14, 2024 with his son Daniel at his side. Ron was a decorated Vietnam Veteran with an E-5 ranking in the Army. Ron was a commercial fisherman in the Cook Inlet for 59 years. His boys grew up fishing with him on his boat the “FV TIGER”. Ron also drove a school bus for over 10 years, while doing so he participated in many bus rodeos where he took championship awards for several of those years. He was an avid dart thrower. Rons greatest pleasure in his last years was to drive to the canneries and visit with his fisherman friends. and share pictures and generally sharing stories about the past with them. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:25
Developer/Highliner Kaye A. Williams of Bridgeport, Connecticut, has passed away
Kaye A. Williams, 95, beloved husband of Barbara (DeBreceny) Williams passed away peacefully in his home Saturday, November 16, 2024. Kaye was the son of the late Frederick I. Williams and Margaret Keefe Williams Dudas. Eventually returning to Bridgeport, Kaye established his first marine store, Fayerweather Marine Supply on Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock. In 1968, he sold Fayerweather Marine and launched a new career as a commercial lobsterman. During his decade long career as a lobsterman, he became known as a “high liner”, a term used in the trade to describe the most successful and productive fisherman. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:38
Commercial Fisherman Donald A. Harlacher of Quaker Hill, Connecticut, has passed away
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald A. Harlacher, known fondly as “Donny,” who left us Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at the age of 58. Donny’s passing was a devastating loss, but he departed this world doing what he loved most: living and working on the ocean. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After completing his service, Donny returned to his home state of Connecticut, where he would eventually make his mark. His love for the ocean only grew stronger, leading him to pursue a career in commercial fishing. Starting from the bottom, he worked his way up through hard work and determination, ultimately becoming the beloved “Captain Don.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:22
Adventurer/Commercial Fisherman Carla Jean Milburn has passed away peacefully in her sleep in Homer, Ak.
Carla Jean Milburn, born June 24, 1955, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of November 2, 2024 in Homer, Alaska. Born in Spokane, WA to Jeannine Fay (McLaren) Milburn and Don Devereaux Milburn, Carla attended Manson schools in Lake Chelan. After graduation in 1973 she was ready for …. adventure! Living in a fishing town Carla was lured to the water and soon took jobs on seiners and drift commercial boats in the Cook Inlet. Loving to work with fibers she then picked up the skill of mending and building nets. In short order she built a big shop on her property for fitting the long nets in. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:18
Career Lobsterman/ Korean War Vet Carroll W. Lunt Sr. of Bass Harbor, Maine has passed away
Carroll W. Lunt Sr., 90, died Nov. 2, 2024, at his daughter’s home surrounded by his family. He was born Nov. 20, 1933, in Frenchboro, the son of Wallace and Lenora (Higgins) Lunt. Carroll was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War. He spent his career as a lobsterman. He captained his own boats “The Carroll Jr.” and “The Miss Robin” and truly enjoyed his time on the sea. He loved going to camp at Branch Pond with his grandchildren and family. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a past member of the Southwest Harbor/Tremont Masonic Lodge No. 77 A.F. & A.M. and the Anah Shrine. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:40
Lifelong Commercial Fisherman Jonas R. Porter of Woodville, Florida, has passed away
Jonas R. Porter, 86, of Woodville, passed away November 3, 2024. Jonas was born in Sopchoppy and remained a life-long resident of this area. He was a Commercial Fisherman all of his life and was a true fishing storyteller; you never knew if it was the truth or not and he always got a good laugh. Jonas has always been a voice for all fishermen; he stood for what he believed in. He also was a Handyman and enjoyed building things, also enjoyed music, singing and playing the guitar. Jonas loved his family and friends and spoiled his grandkids; he loved people. He would want you to know that he supported Trump. more, >>CCLICK TO READ<< 05:56
Lifelong Commercial Fisherman Army Veteran Theodore “Ted” Reed Merrell III, of Juneau, has passed away
Theodore “Ted” Reed Merrell III, 76, died at his Fritz Cove home on October 16, 2024 after a long struggle with Progressive Supranuc Palsy (PSP). Ted and Lucy were engaged while Ted was on R&R in Hawaii and after discharge, they were married in Minnesota. They headed to Juneau as soon as Lucy graduated, driving Ted’s hot orange 1970 stick-shift Dodge Charger R/T. Ted soon got his own boat–an open 19-footer –and began a lifelong career in commercial fishing. Other boats followed: Diamondtooth (an ancient wooden gillnetter), Onni (a fast bowpicker with troublesome twin Volvo engines), Invictus, and for most of his career, the 45-foot Dundas. Ted had permits in many fisheries and tried crab, herring, and salmon gillnetting and finally settled into longlining and trolling, often accompanied by his son, Nelson. He fished all over the Northern Panhandle and especially liked downtime with friends in the fishing village, Elfin Cove. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 15:44
Lifelong Commercial Fisherman Loyd Alan “Lanny” Reposa has passed away in Maine
Loyd Alan “Lanny” Reposa, 75, passed away on October 6th, 2024 peacefully at his farm in Maine joining his heavenly family. Born in Wakefield, RI, he was the son of the late Arthur Reposa and Claire Binns, stepson of the late Ruth A Reposa. He was the loving husband of the late Sally Reposa. Lanny was a lifelong resident of South County and commercial fisherman in Point Judith, RI where he owned and operated several boats of the Point Judith fleet. He also fished in Alaska even getting the chance to pass the Titanic discovery and was one of the first captains to introduce freezer fishing to the industry. He embarked to the Grand Banks for a lot of his fishing, remarkably under some of the most brutal and treacherously dangerous conditions (including hurricane Gloria), Lanny always got his vessel and crew back to a safe port without ever losing a crew member. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:14
Lifelong Commercial Fisherman David McCrone Pack of Bodega Bay, Ca. has passed away
David McCrone Pack, born October 5,1957, passed peacefully to the great beyond on August 2nd, 2024, surrounded by his family and the music of the Grateful Dead. He will be remembered as a hard-working man, a friend to all animals, and a loving father. He was 66 years old. A native Californian, Dave was born to parents Jim and Beth in the redwood forest of Larkspur, California. He attended Redwood High School and soon thereafter began his life as a commercial fisherman in the San Francisco Bay, where he would eventually captain his own boat, The Blind Faith. For Dave, though, fishing wasn’t just a hobby – it was something he enjoyed alone or with friends and family and had an active fishing license every year of his adulthood. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:20
Helicopter Logger/Commercial Fisherman James Michael Modderman, of Brownsville Oregon has passed away
James Michael Modderman, 72, of Brownsville Oregon passed away peacefully in hospice care at Helping Hearts, Saturday, October 5, 2024. He was born November 7, 1951 at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, MN to Russell and JoAnn (Floyd) Modderman. In 1975, James and wife Marian moved to the Oregon coast and raised two children. James was one of the 1st in the Helicopter Logging Industry cutting cedar. He owned and operated a commercial bay crabbing boat and worked on commercial fishing boats off the Oregon coast. In 1989 James and his family moved back to Albert Lea to be closer to family. James then moved back to the Oregon coast in 2007 and in 2021 moved to Brownsville, Oregon. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 15:56
Retired Commercial Fisherman Reginald Carl Knowles of Winter Harbor, Maine, has passed away
Reginald Carl Knowles entered eternity and found the peace he had longed for on Sept. 28, 2024. His last week was spent surrounded by family and goodbyes after having a stroke. He was born in Machiasport, Maine, as the firstborn son of Carl and Grace Knowles on “6/22/42” — the one thing he always remembered despite the vascular dementia. During his grade school years, Carl Bryant had given Regie a handful of traps that he hauled from a punt. He had been bitten by the lobster fishing bug in those early years! So, after returning from Germany and a short stint driving a truck for McQuinn’s, he set out be a successful lobsterman. He also went scalloping, shrimping and fish dragging, but lobstering was always his passion. It was a trade he took pride in teaching his sons. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:14
Lobster Legend William V. (Billy) Wyss, of South Kingstown, RI has passed away
William V. (Billy) Wyss, 69, of South Kingstown RI passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024 with his family lovingly by his side. As with everything in his life, he put his all into his fight for life during which time he did his very best to hold onto his infectious sense of humor and will be remembered for his amazing example of courage and hope. William, who spent his life providing and caring for the ones he loved will be remembered for his love of lobstering of which he was a legend spanning some 60 years and his ability to plan and create anything he put his mind to, including the majority of his 10 lobster boats and numerous construction projects which will stand as a testament to his many talents. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 17:14
Tom Anglin of Guemes Island, WA, has passed away
“Tell me a sea story” Tom Anglin would say. He passed peacefully at home on Guemes Island, WA on a beautiful afternoon, September 12, 2024. To say that Tom was a larger than life character is an understatement. He was born in Seattle, WA on July 3, 1943 to (Thomas) Dale and Ila Jean Anglin. Tom grew up in the small town of Coolin on Priest Lake, Idaho, where his love for fishing began. He graduated from Priest River High School in 1962, before joining the US Navy. Tom’s sea story began boarding the USS Burton Island Icebreaker in Seattle bound for Antarctica for Operation Deepfreeze to resupply McMurdo Station and then the Arctic becoming a shellback on the journey. Tom took his electronics training from the Navy to the North Slope of Alaska, forging life-long friendships as an electrician before buying his first boat, the Bubble Cuffer II. Each vessel was a new chapter in the greatest commercial fishing adventure: the little Katrina, Katrina, Baltic Sea and finally the Kona-Kai. Spanning ports from Sausalito to SE AK and Hawaii to SW Alaska, trolling for king salmon to pot fishing king crab in the Bering Sea. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 19:42
Lobster Fisherman Dexter C. Bray, Sr., “Old Man” of Stonington, Maine has passed away
Dexter C. Bray Sr., “Old Man,” born Nov. 15, 1957, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Aug. 23, at age 66. Dexter attended grammar school in Stonington. He was among the first class to graduate from Deer Isle/Stonington High School in 1976. He was a lobstah fisherman most of his life and was very proud of it. He loved being on the water, hunting, socializing, aggravating family and friends, playing bingo, drinking Dunkin’ coffee, watching reality shows, and going out to eat. He also enjoyed morning coffee with his buddies at the co-op. He was a member of Odd Fellows for many years. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:24
Lifelong Lobsterman Cary Burton Lunt of Bass Harbor, Me. has passed away
Cary Burton Lunt, 77, passed away on Aug. 11, 2024, at the Bangor Nursing Home from complications from diabetes. He was born May 30, 1947, in Bar Harbor, the son of Clarence L. and Elsie R. Lunt. What can you say about a brother that saved your life when he was only 7, supported you his whole life through school, college, my career and was loved by all that met him? Cary was a born lobsterman. He hauled his first lobster trap at age 4, and continued until he couldn’t stand due to his diabetes. He was a long-time member/supporter of the Maine Lobsterman’s Association. He and his first wife, Marie Gray, were married on his boat, the Elsie V, and they had three children; Benjamin, Gabriel and Roseanna. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:30
Commercial Fisherman Kevin Doyle of San Diego and Dutch Harbor, has passed away
Kevin started working in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry when he was 18 years old. He started as an entry level fish processor, gaining years of experience; and climbing the industry ladder all the way to Captain of his own fishing boat for Global Seas Company. He was an innovator who embraced and implemented the technologies that would lead to advanced safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the industry. He could not have been more proud of his career and boat, the “F/V Bering Defender,” but even more so, of his hard working and loyal crew. Kevin’s love and devotion for wife Dee and daughter Victoria was uncompromising and fueled the peace, happiness, and adventure that he and his family shared. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:50
Lobsterman Todd O. Keyes, 57, of Lewiston has passed away
Todd O. Keyes, 57, of Lewiston, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Aug. 5, 2024, after a period of declining health. Todd was born in Rockland on July 25, 1967, to Sumner and Alberta (Spear) Keyes. Todd grew up in Cushing and attended local schools, graduating from Georges Valley High School in 1986. After graduation, Todd went into the workforce and worked at North End Marine in Rockland and dug clams. He later became a lobsterman, working on the stern of the F/V Jessie Jane alongside captain Richard Olson for many years before his unfortunate accident in 2009 left him confined to a wheelchair for his remaining years. Todd was an avid outdoorsman and greatly enjoyed fishing and hunting. As a child he loved to hunt rabbits, as an adult he was always hunting deer and even once got a bear. Todd will always be remembered for his love of the great outdoors. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:36
Captain John Ernest Tarasevich has passed away
Captain John Ernest Tarasevich passed away peacefully at home on North Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Friday, July 26, 2024. John graduated with a Bachelor of Science in accounting in 1971. Instead of pursuing a career in business. John chose a different path and began working as a commercial fisherman in Pt. Judith, RI. Over his 21 colorful years on the water John made many lifelong friends, starting as a deckhand and eventually buying and captaining his own vessels, F/V Mary Cay, F/V St. Jude. His voice was recognizable to captains of fishing vessels up and down the East Coast. He also served for 8 years as secretary and treasurer for the Pt. Judith Fishermen’s Cooperative, at the time a leading economic and political force in the Northeast fisheries. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:32
Lifelong Waterman William Lee “Billy” Savage of Ocean City, MD. has passed away
William Lee Savage, known to family, friends and fishing buddies as “Billy”, passed away peacefully at home June 25, 2024. His beloved wife, Margie, was by his side just as she had been throughout their 42 years of marriage. Billy was born in Chincoteague, Virginia, on Nov. 2, 1945, and remained a lifelong waterman. He was a graduate of McDonogh Military Academy and attended Pfeiffer College. In his 78 years, he was a commercial fisherman and restaurateur. In the 1960s-70s, he mated on sportfishing boats ranging from Maryland to The Bahamas. His fishing sense and dedication made him a sought-after mate on local sportfishers to high-profile clients. His haul of white marlin set a record that was only broken in recent years. He became a commercial fisherman in the 1970s-80s, running the “Flora Kirwan” out of the OC Commercial Harbor and continuing his family’s tradition of restaurant ownership. more, >>CLICK TO READ<<09:09
Retired Commercial Fishing Captain Leo C. Tuttle of New Bedford, has passed away
Leo C. Tuttle, 96, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on Saturday, July 6, 2024. He was the loving husband of the late Marion L. (Ostman) Tuttle. Leo was a Veteran of the Merchant Marines during WWII and was very proud to tell everyone the countries he visited during that time. He went on to become a Captain of various fishing boats for the Marder Fishing Corp. for over four decades of working on the water. Lastly, the F/V Columbia before retiring. After retiring Leo enjoyed spending time with his wife and family on Long Pond and fishing with his grandchildren. Leo also enjoyed carpentry, landscaping, and watching Westerns while sitting in his recliner. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:01
Retired commercial fisherman Hiram Allen Gerrish of Winter Harbor, Me. has passed away
Hiram Allen Gerrish, 85, of Winter Harbor, passed peacefully at home June 20, 2024. He was born July 3, 1938, in Gerrishville, to parents Gib and Lillian (Hamilton). Hiram attended Winter Harbor schools and first worked as a teenager at Milt Torrey’s sawmill and egg farm. He then pursued his love for the ocean and went seining, lobster fishing, shrimping and scalloping. He met and married Nancy Ray, and they were together for 63 amusing years. Together they raised four unique children, Pam, Bonny, Allen and Kevin. Hiram was a founding member of the Winter Harbor Co-op and an active member of the fire department. He was very passionate and dedicated to town government. In 1977, he started working for the Dixon family until his retirement in 2016. Many of his local friends and neighbors relied on his knowledge, expertise and assistance with fishing gear, motors, electrical problems, welding and building projects. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:07
Retired Commercial Fisherman Captain Nick Mosich has passed away
For over thirty years the fishing vessel Mauritania patrolled the Eastern Pacific searching for tuna to bring home to market. At the helm was Captain Nick Mosich. He was hardworking, practical, and stoic. Always among the top producers, he was admired for his devotion and skill in his never-ending pursuit for tuna. His father was a fisherman, and his mother a homemaker. In 1949, he left Loyola to join his father in the fishing industry, where they worked side by side for a decade. In 1950, he met and married the love of his life, Barbara. They went on to have two children, and he was a dedicated family man.In 1960, Nick became owner of F/V Mauritania. At the time, the vessel was a bait boat, meaning it fished for tuna using bait and poles. The boat was converted to a purse seiner and for over thirty years he sought schools of tuna from Mexico to Peru. More than a fishing savant, Nick was devoted to his crew, and treated them as family. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:37
A Master Fisherman with a Big Heart, Peter Cabral Dies at 70
Described as “saltier than a Scully Joe” by his daughter, Ashley, master fisherman Peter Cabral, who earned his first full share on a commercial fishing boat when he was eight years old, died on May 13, 2024. The son of Anna (Corea) Cabral and Louis Cabral, his adoptive father, Peter was born on July 17, 1953 in Gloucester. He grew up on Pearl Street in Provincetown, surrounded by the extended Corea family: his grandparents, Joseph and Virginia Corea; cousins Frank Domingos, Bruce, Joey, and Donna; his aunt Florence; and especially his uncle Joseph Corea, who was like a father to him. When he was a boy, fishing was as natural to Peter as riding a bike. He started commercial fishing at eight. “He earned his full share of the catch, the same as the men on the boat,” Ashley said. “He worked on Papa Joe and on Miss Sandy with Louis Rivers. He was a fishing prodigy.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:19
Commercial Fisherman Jimmie “John” Goodwin Jr., 60, of Cedar Island, North Carolina has passed away
Jimmie “John” Goodwin Jr., 60, of Cedar Island, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at his home. A funeral service to honor John’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 30th, at Pilgrims Rest Free Will Baptist Church on Cedar Island, officiated by Rev. Kevin Stott. Interment will follow at Cedar Island Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 29th, at Pilgrims Rest Free Will Baptist Church. John was born on October 16, 1963, in Sea Level, North Carolina, to the late Jimmie and Ellen Goodwin. John had a deep connection to Pilgrims Rest Free Will Baptist Church and cherished his involvement there throughout his life. Known for his love of the salt life, John spent his life on the water as a seasoned commercial fisherman and graduate of Core Sound. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 20:32
Commercial Fisherman Harlan Lloyd Wallace of Friendship, Me. has passed away
Harley followed into the family business and became a commercial lobsterman, purchasing his first lobster license when he was just 6 years old. He continued lobstering throughout his life and, after 65 years, retired from the industry that he loved in January 2023. In 1996 Harley and 14 other Friendship fisherman purchased Wallace Shellfish, a successful lobster-buying wharf, and created the Friendship Lobster Co-op. Throughout his life, he engaged in other commercial fishing industries, including musseling, scalloping, urchining, clamming and shrimping. Every spring, Harley would build and repair wharves, ramps and floats, along the mid-coast with the help of his sons. Harley was an extremely hard worker and a respected member of the lobstering community. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 12:57
Seventh-generation fisherman Carlton Elbridge Joyce of Swans Island, Me. has passed away
Carlton Elbridge Joyce peacefully left for his heavenly home on Sunday, May 5, 2024, while his family kept vigil at MDI Hospital. Though strong at 85, he could not overcome an aggressive bladder cancer that was diagnosed in February. Born on March 17, 1939, in Rockland, to Robert McKay Joyce and Roberta Laverne (Simmons) Joyce, Carlton was raised on Swan’s Island with his younger siblings Sharon, Bonnie, Laverne, and Matthew. He joined the military and was proud of his service with the United States Army. His favorite stories from his time in Germany included his first captivating glance of the beautiful Army girl from Hawaii. On May 24,1962, he married the love of his life and brought her to his island on the other side of the world. Together for 61 years, they built a life they loved in a place he called paradise. His undying devotion and admiration for his wife is a legacy of love for his family. A seventh-generation fisherman, Carlton had a passion and keen instinct for lobstering and the fishing industry. He loved everything about his life on the water. His last boat was designed for Pacita’s comfort and together they lived out their working days with a tenacity that sustained their fishing career through the fall of 2023. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:38
Lobster Boat Capt. Jeffrey W. Johnson, of Truro, Dies at 67
Lobster boat Capt. Jeffrey Walter Johnson of Truro died at home on Jan. 19, 2024 from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 67. The son of Walter and Rhoda Johnson, Jeff was born on June 8, 1956 in Brockton. His father, an accountant, moved the family to Bridgewater, where Jeff grew up in a close-knit neighborhood. His father died when Jeff was nine, and the local dads rallied around him to buffer his loss, said Jo Johnson, Jeff’s former wife. Jeff had learned lobstering from Jo’s father, Edgar Francis, on the Pinkie, becoming first mate. But it was on his father-in-law’s lobster boat, the F/V Annie L, that he found his calling. He was fearless. When Hurricane Bob hit in 1991, he and Edgar chose to ride out the storm at sea instead of tying the boat down in the harbor. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 08:05
