Kings Point Class of 1983

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy alumni

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      • 35th Reunion Photos
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  • In Memoriam
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In Memoriam

We Remember Our Lost Classmates

Michael Alston
Douglas Barlow
Joseph Gallagher
Dennis Gault
Timothy Hallock
Jeffrey Hoffman
Gregory Leedy
Russell Meehan
Milton Moore
Kerry O’Neill
Mark Paradiso
Vivan Ragusa
Daniel Russell
James Wei
George Whitaker
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
You’re welcome to email thoughts, anecdotes or photos to honor our deceased classmates and keep them with us.

Filed Under: In Memoriam

James Wei

Obituary
James (Jim) Wei, originally from Barrington, RI, passed away on July 24,2024. He was a beloved member of the Poquoson, VA community for 23 years. He was 62 years old. James graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1983, embarking on a distinguished career as an engineer at Newport News Shipbuilding. His dedication and expertise spanned 38 years, culminating in his retirement in January 2022.

He was predeceased by his father, Peter, and his mother, Shirley. James is survived by his cherished daughter, Jill; his beloved grand dog, Saber; his brother, Paul; and his sisters, Margaret “Peggy” and Sarah. His family and friends will forever remember his kindness, generosity, and the warmth he brought into their lives.

Jim Wei
Jim Wei, KP ’83
8/18/61 – 7/24/24

James was a man of many interests and talents. He found joy in fishing, boating, tennis, and skiing, embracing the outdoors and the thrill of each activity. His love for these hobbies was a testament to his zest for life and his adventurous spirit. James will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, dedication, and adventure will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.


Jim WeiPosted by a friend of Jim:
My first memory of Jim was his hilariously sarcastic but good-natured sense of humor, paired with his keen perception of reality. We were in 6th grade, the 1972-73 academic year, at a school known as Peck. At that moment, he was animated, explaining to several of us working together on a group project why he was not going to be able to bring in his part from home, pointing out how difficult it would be to transport a delicate, bulky cardboard poster-like thing on a school bus with rowdy, pushing and shoving juvenile delinquents. This was a real peril, of course, not an excuse. Both of Jim’s parents worked (probably starting in the early morning), so it was difficult for them to drive him to school.

In truth, Jim had an amazing work ethic and sense of responsibility. In the spring of 1979, he would have been one of the top starters on the Barrington High School varsity tennis team. But instead of realizing high school athletic glory, he dropped off the team to work at MacDonald’s and help pay for upcoming college expenses. This sacrifice inevitably helped not only his parents, but also enabled two of his lifelong friends, Bert West and yours truly, to move up the team ladder. If my memory serves me right, Jim’s application for admission to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy included a recommendation from John Chafee, former Rhode Island Senator and Secretary of the Navy. While many in his peer group were struggling in the mid to late 1980s to establish stable careers, Jim was hired upon graduation to an enviable position as an engineer at the Newport News Shipyard. And, as a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy, he retained a commission in the U.S. Navy (Reserve).

Hardworking, responsible, and a solid family man, Jim was equally a lot of fun. I was fortunate to be with him boating on Narragansett Bay, the James River and Chesapeake Bay, skiing at Loon Mountain (NH) and Breckenridge (CO), and for countless games of tennis. I think he won every set we ever played. Jim also loved good food and a good party. One night in the summer of 1983, Jim, Bert and I were at Spats, a bar near Brown University in Providence, when he met Linda. Jim and Linda were married in 1987. I was honored to be a groomsman in their wedding, and many years later, he would return the favor and serve as one in mine.

Jim was the sort of friend that was there for you not just in happy times, but also during life’s hard travails. From at least as far back as 9th grade right up through his last week of life, he was someone with whom you could confide, engaging in lengthy discussion on how to deal with school, peers, and then work, bosses, home maintenance, family matters, care for aging parents, and finally, critical health issues- which he faced with amazing grace.
A tremendous human being, and although ended way too soon, a life well-lived.
— Mike Halliwell


Filed Under: In Memoriam

Douglas Barlow

Obituary by Doug’s daughter Leela Ray
Douglas Richard Barlow, commonly known as Dougie B., passed away on Oct. 6th, 2023 in a paragliding accident at Mt. Baker, WA. Born on August 7th, 1961 to Roberta and Richard Barlow in Buffalo, NY, Dougie grew up sailing and ski-racing. He is survived by his wife Sanghamitra Ray, mother Roberta Barlow, sister Gretchen Horth, and three brilliant daughters, Lily Hoffman, Leela Barlow, and Nira Barlow, along with a community that spans the globe.

Dougie B. received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at the USMMA. He regaled his daughters with his endeavors at the Academy and as a Merchant Marine, often in the form of bedtime stories. After a decade at sea and achieving the rank of First Engineer with the US Coast Guard, he settled in Seattle, WA and pivoted towards entrepreneurship in the wellness industry. He joined the Northwest Multihull Association, where he served as Commodore for a time, and spent his summers sailing with his family.

Doug Barlow
Doug Barlow, KP ’83
8/7/61 – 10/6/23

A Captain at the helm of every great adventure and a humble ambassador of Nature, his friends say that he lived more in one year than they could in ten, but that he forever extended the invitation to join in on his future ventures.


Posted by a friend of Doug:
Doug BarlowOn October 6th, 2023, Dougie Barlow, known to many and loved by all, embarked on his final adventure. Doug passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will forever inspire and captivate our hearts.

Throughout his remarkable life, Dougie was a living testament to the spirit of exploration, daring, and unwavering passion for discovery. His boundless enthusiasm and fearlessness took him from skating around the kitchen in his new roller blades, blazing through the waters of the PNW, to soaring in the sky on his paramoter.

But what truly set Dougie apart was not just his intrepid expeditions but also his selfless contributions to his communities. Beyond his adventures, Dougie was deeply committed to making a difference right here at home. He was a humble leader and organizer in his neighborhood association, quietly maintaining the roads and tending to the needs of his community. His willingness to step in and help in any way needed was a testament to his character.

Beyond his daring exploits, Dougie was a beacon of kindness and humility. He had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life, treating everyone he met with genuine warmth and respect. His enthusiasm for life was infectious, and his humility despite his extraordinary accomplishments served as a lesson in how to remain grounded yet live life to the fullest.
Doug Barlow
One of the many facets of Dougie’s community involvement was his dedicated leadership in Juice Plus+ world, where he worked tirelessly to promote health and well-being. He didn’t seek recognition for his efforts; rather, he carried out his work with the same humility and passion that defined his adventurous spirit.

However, there was one area where Doug would occasionally allow himself to boast, and that was when he talked about his three daughters and his amazing wife. He would light up with pride and affection as he shared stories of their accomplishments, their adventures, and the love and support they provided him throughout his own journeys. To Dougie, his family was not only his anchor but also his greatest adventure and source of joy.

Doug Barlow & Mitra Ray
Doug & Mitra
As we mourn the loss of Dougie Barlow, we must remember that his spirit lives on in the stories he shared, the many lives he touched, and the indelible mark he left on the world. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of adventurers, dreamers, and explorers who dare to follow in his footsteps.

In this time of sorrow, let us celebrate Doug’s incredible life, his unquenchable thirst for adventure, and the profound impact he had on each of us. Let his memory be a source of strength and inspiration, reminding us to live life with the same passion, courage, and boundless curiosity that defined his existence.

Our hearts go out to Mitra, Lily, Leela, and Nira and family as we join together to honor the memory of a true legend. Dougie Barlow, the world’s greatest adventurer, edge of the world gardener, international man of leisure, may you continue your exploration in the great beyond, forever etching your name in the annals of history.

Fair seas and following winds, dear friend. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.


Posted by Peter Huston, a friend of Doug:
Doug Barlow, very active trimaran racer in the PNW good friend and a neighbor of mine died last week in a paragliding accident. Doug was always very upbeat and he loved sailing and talking about boats. He will be very much missed.

April ‘78 Red Bank Lightning regatta
April ‘78 Red Bank Lightning regatta
For Buffalo sailing and skiing peeps, sad news out of the Pacific Northwest via a post in the Sailing Anarchy forum by Bob Perry, long time friend and crew mate Dougie Barlow was killed in a paragliding accident last week. Picture below is the April ‘78 Red Bank Lightning regatta where we crewed for the famous Ed Roseberry, who called him Slick. Always one to sort of march to his own drum, great memory of Slick during the ‘78 NA’s in Rehoboth. The sea breeze didn’t fill in one day, very light, huge shifts. The three fleets got all mixed up, we were in the championship division and were about dead last in the entire fleet. The sea breeze started to fill, we were bringing it up, but sailed way wide inside to the jibe mark. Suddenly 120 boats were all compressed at the jibe mark, we are coming in with pace few others had, but it was going to be bumper boats with probably half the fleet. Eddie was a bit nervous wondering what we were going to do about this. Slick, thinking quickly, grabbed the whistle from the flotation device and just started blowing it like an NFL ref. It had the effect of confusing everyone, we had probably about 6 inches between the mark on one side and six inches on the other side with literally the whole fleet on the outside. We rounded, looked back and we were suddenly in about third. Race ended up being abandoned. Next time I’m in that situation I’m going to pull a Slick and blow the whistle again.

Rest easy Slick, I’m sure you are spreading happiness with your infectious smile as you always did in the great boat in the sky.


Filed Under: In Memoriam

Jeffrey Hoffman

Jeffrey T. Hoffman, 59, passed away August 16, 2021, in his home State of Maryland.   Obituary

Upon graduating from USMMA, Kings Point in 1983, where he earned a BS Degree in Marine Engineering Systems, Jeff followed his heart and began his distinguished career as a Sailor. Jeff was honored to have sailed as Chief Engineer while serving our country as a Merchant Mariner. Years later Jeff had the privilege of continuing his extraordinary career sailing with the Navy. He served his Country during Desert Storm.

He held several US Coast Guard License/Endorsements, sailed as Chief Engineer (Commercial/MSC Charter RO/RO Vessel) with Crowley, APL Maritime Ltd, and American Bureau of Shipping to name a few.

Jeffrey Hoffman
Jeff Hoffman, KP ’83
8/28/61 – 8/16/21

Jeff Hoffman

Jeff was a source of wisdom and unconditional kindness to those who had the good fortune to be among his family and friends. Jeff retired May 1, 2021 and realized his dream of owning a home at the beach. Jeff loved to kayak near the Concord Light House in Havre de Grace, MD. He loved his ever-loyal dog, was an avid Baltimore Ravens football fan, his loved his pick-up trucks and finished each evening with a bowl of ice cream!

Jeff will be immeasurably missed by his wife Sandy, children and sisters. His spirit reigns and lives through his beloved family and friends. Rest in Peace, Jeff.


Jeff Hoffman
L to R: Daughter Alycia, Jeff, wife Sandy, late step son Patrick, son Anthony
Jeff
Jeff with his children Anthony & Alycia

Jeff
Jeff with his sisters Holli & Heather
Sister Heather, Jeff holding his nephew Jack, sister Holli
Sister Heather, Jeff holding his nephew Jack, sister Holli

Jeff
Jeff with his son Anthony
Jeff Hoffman
John Carroll Hight school graduation: Heather, Holli, Jeff with mom Marcia

Hoffman
Sister Holli, Jeff, sister Heather
Hoffman
Mom (Marcia) & Jeff

Jeff Hoffman
Daughter Alycia & Jeff
Hoffman
Mom, Jeff & nephew Justin

Jeff & wife Sandy
Jeff & wife Sandy
Sandy & Jeff
Sandy & Jeff

Step daughter Brandi & Jeff
Step daughter Brandi & Jeff
Jeff & Sandy
Jeff & Sandy

Jeff & Sandy
Jeff & Sandy
Hoffman
Family photo of Jeff & Sandy with Anthony, Brandi, Patrick and Alycia

Jeff Hoffman
Jeff Hoffman

Filed Under: In Memoriam

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