Keith R. Amaral

Keith R. Amaral, 66, of Fairhaven, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2023, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the cherished husband and best friend of Susan Amaral for over 40 wonderful years.

Born in Fall River, Keith was the oldest son of the late Delphine and Evelyn (Bettencourt) Amaral. Keith was raised in Bristol Rhode Island in a loving and energetic family with his sister and three brothers. Keith attended Bristol Public Schools and was a 1974 graduate of Bristol High School.

After graduation from the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT), Keith started his career in mechanical design at McLaughlin Research in Middletown, where he worked his way through the ranks to program manager. His career path led him to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Aquidneck Management Associates, and finally to SEACORP where he spent the last 15 years, retiring in early 2023. In addition to several NUWC Special Achievement Awards he served on the Mechanical Design/Technical Advisory Committee for NEIT and was a Member of American Society of Tolerancing Engineers. Keith was one of the inventors and major contributors on SEACORP's Patent for "Systems and Methods for Inflator-based Actuation".

Keith will be remembered by his SEACORP colleagues for his professionalism, knowledge, and sense of humor that made it fun to come to work. He will be greatly missed by his SEACORP friends, Scott, Rick, and Steve.

More than anything else, Keith enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his four young grandchildren. His true joy was playing Barbies with his granddaughters and GI Joes and Matchbox cars with his twin grandsons and treating them all to ice cream sandwiches. During the holidays, there was nothing that made him happier than enjoying a glass of wine while his family decorated the Christmas tree. He was always agreeable to making his wife the perfect cup of tea. Keith was especially proud of his two children, Valerie and Brad who brought him so much joy and laughter in everything they did and achieved.

Keith was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. In his youth, he played the position of shortstop and later coached a Bristol Little League team to win the playoffs. He had a love for cars and enjoyed restoring them with his brother Jeff in their younger years, a tradition he later continued with his son Brad. Keith enjoyed camping in Myrtle Beach and recently took a trip to Assateague Island. He enjoyed listening to music, especially 70’s and 80’s classic vinyl and Kenny G.

Keith will be remembered by his family as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a source of joy, love, and laughter both at family gatherings and in the small moments of everyday life; he will be deeply missed.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Valerie Stanwood and her husband Thomas of Raynham, Bradley Amaral and his wife Mary Beth of Acushnet; four grandchildren, Evelyn, Graeme, Niall, and Lucy; siblings, Deb Parks of FL, Jeffrey Amaral and his wife Carolina of NC, Kevin Amaral and his wife Kristin of RI, and Craig Amaral and his wife Heather of GA; a godson Todd Amaral and his wife Katie of RI; and many nieces and nephews. He is the father of Keith Amaral Jr. and the son-in-law of the late Conrad and Shirley Richard.

His family would like to thank his doctors, caregivers, and dear friends including Glen and Becky for the outstanding care, compassion, and friendship they provided to Keith and his family.

In lieu of flowers please give to “A Reason to Ride Research Fund” in memory of Keith R. Amaral. Checks made out to “Rhode Island Hospital Foundation” can be sent Attn: Philanthropy Office PO Box H, Providence, RI 02901. Donations can also be made at https://www.lifespan.org/RIH-giving . Any gifts designated a tribute to Keith R. Amaral will go directly to A Reason to Ride. All funds raised will support the research of Dr. Eric Wong at Rhode Island Hospital.

According to his wishes, services are private and under the directions of Waring-Sullivan Home at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven, MA 02719. For online directions: www.waring-sullivan.com.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on May 16, 2023, from 11 am - 2 pm.