Christopher Michael Kennelly, FICS.

Christopher (Chris) Michael Kennelly, aged 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 30th, 2021.

Chris was born on December 27th, 1936 to parents Bartholomew (Barkley) Kennelly and Alicia McKnight Kennelly in the city of Salford, Manchester England.  After graduating from "All Souls Catholic School in 1952, Chris joined the British Merchant Navy, and began a career in seafaring, an association with which continued for his whole working life.  During his active duty, he was called up by the Admiralty to serve during the "Suez Crisis " of 1956.  In that same year he met Clare Sumner whom he wed on October 3rd, 1959 and went on to have three children: John, Ann and Michael.

After Chris left the Merchant Navy, he studied and earned a degree in Chartered Ship Brokering.  This launched a career with Sievewright Bacon working within the Manchester Ship Canal and Docks, and then with Tenneco Oil Company who transferred him and the family to Houston, Texas on August 30th, 1975. With Tenneco, Chris enjoyed a long and successful career as the Marine Transportation Manager.  After Tenneco was sold off, Chris returned to his roots within the shipping agency business in either senior management roles with such firms as Southern Steamship, Gulf Harbor, OBC or as a founding partner with Riomar, and finally retiring from K3 Maritime.

Chris was a long time parishioner attending both Prince of Peace and Saint Ignatius of Layola Catholic Churches in Houston. He was also a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Chris enjoyed history and was an avid reader on the subject. He also enjoyed working on his computer and going up to his son, John's, farm to help out. Chris was well known by his friends and loved ones as a notable story teller, covering his many years in the maritime industry and life in general. Above all, Chris was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his family which he adored.

Christopher (Chris) was predeceased by his parents: Alicia McKnight Kennelly and Bartholomew (Barkley) Kennelly.

He is survived by:

• Wife, Clare Sumner Kennelly, of 62 years.
• Son, John Kennelly, and spouse, Corrie, grandchildren, Mary and Samantha, and great grandchildren, Evelyn and John (JJ).
• Daughter, Ann Kennelly Comrie-Smith and spouse, Nick, with grandchildren, Philip and Alison.
• Son, Michael Kennelly, with grandchildren, Andrew, Christian and Olivia.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and medical staff who have worked with Chris over the past few years to make his life more comfortable .

He will be deeply missed, but forever in our hearts.

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