Clarence J. Amaral (Kelly), 81, of Port Richey, Florida, passed away Friday, June 1st, 2007 at Pasco/Hernando County Hospice Facility in New Port Richey, Florida due to numerous health complications.
Kelly was born in Hilo, Hawaii, March 29, 1926, and is survived by his Son, Andrew W. Amaral of New Port Richey, FL; Daughter, Heidi Caine of Miami Beach FL; Daughter, Heather Clemow of Williamstown, MA; Daughter Holly J. Holmes of Boca Raton, FL; Son, Clarence J. Amaral, Jr. of Raiford, FL; 7 Grandchildren: Michael Clemow, Katie Levering, Clarence J. Amaral III, Christina Victoria Amaral, Antonia Anna Amaral, Nicholas W. Caine, Andrew M. Amaral; and 8 known Great-Grandchildren: Clarence J. Amaral, IV (JoeJoe), Isabella Grace Amaral, Annie Levering, Katie Rios, Rachel Rios, Brooklyn Rios, Cameron Elliot, and Logan Elliot as well as close family friends June W. Amaral (former wife), Ray Cook, and Darla Kleinik.
After serving in World War II, Kelly's strong leadership qualities paved the way to a career as a Merchant Marine and Boat Captain. During his command, Captain Kelly sailed his way into the commercial fishing industry and into many hearts.
Captain Kelly was a true seaman at heart. He loved life at sea, and for the most part, it was his home. He visited numerous ports of call during his career, bringing back countless tales to the mainland. Some were revealed, but it would be safe to say most were not! As a shrimp boat Captain he navigated the waters off of California, Hawaii, Mexico, Texas, Florida, just to name a few.
Kelly was cremated at The Neptune Society in Palm Harbor, Florida. His remains were scattered at sea by his Son, Andrew W. Amaral during a Burial at Sea ceremony 3.5 miles off the coast of Sand Key, Florida on Sunday, July 29th, 2007 - a fitting farewell for a proud Boat Captain, Loving Father, and Friend.
Afterwards, a lone Frigatebird was seen in the sky above. It is believed the native Hawaiian bird was there to help show Captain Kelly the way home ...
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Gone From My Sight
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone"
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side. And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me -- not in her. And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone," there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"