Obituary of Richard “Captain Rick” Jeffrey Clow

Richard J. Clow, Sr. aka Captain Rick, 78 years old, of Palm Bay, Florida, passed away on September 16, 2019. Rick navigating through a lock on the Panama Canal Rick was born in Springfield, MA on July 26, 1941 to Gordon A. Clow and Lorriane I. Geoffrion. Rick was married to his longtime partner of 30 years, Mary C. D’Agostino on June 6, 2009, on the docks of Block Island Boat Basin, overlooking the Great Salt Pond, Block Island, RI. Rick worked as an Engineer, spending many years in the aerospace industry. Rick was part of the junior engineers dubbed “Hamiltonauts” when they tested spacesuits for the space center. He also designed some of the parts that were used on the Lunar Rover. Later he opened his own engineering consulting firm and became one of the “original” day traders prior to retiring.Rick was predeceased by his parents as well as his Uncle Babe, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Doris. Both uncles contributed to his love of adventure and the water. Rick is survived by his children, Wendy Clow and Richard J. Clow, Jr. (wife Natasha) as well as his stepsons, Kevin Boyko (wife Susanne) and Mark Boyko (wife Debbie).  He leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Shaylyn McEntire, Christopher McEntire, Bradley Simmons, Cooper Clow, Cameron Clow, Lexie Clow, Kassie Clow as well as his step-grandchildren Theresa Wilhelm, Caroline Olson and Bailey Olson.  Rick is also survived by his brothers, Randy and Corky Clow. Rick’s passion has always been sailing and he and his wife, Mary, spent seven years circumnavigating the world on their sailboat “Tranquillity”, leaving from the Great Salt Pond, Block Island in the spring of 1999 and completing this grand adventure in 2006 at the same location. Some pictures and stories can be found at www.tranquillity.net. The family is planning a celebration of life on October 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm on the gazebo of: Christine Honadle 1735 48th Ave, North St. Petersburg, FL 33714 This location is where the family has celebrated many meaningful occasions. You are all welcome. We hope to have photo boards for all to see. If you have any pictures of Rick you would like added, please send them to me at mb39@aol.com Because of Rick’s love of the sea and Block Island, there will be a celebration and scattering of ashes on Block Island in the late spring 2020. Details will follow. Please let us know if you might consider being part of that celebration and we will forward you information when it becomes available. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to one of the following: 1. As you all know Rick had a love for the sea and you may want to consider donating to www.oceana.org – SAVE THE OCEANS, FEED THE WORLD 2. Because of Rick passion for sailing his daughter Wendy has created a go fund me page, https://www.gofundme.com/f/captain-rick-sailing-scholarship  to help underprivileged children learn how to sail and, hopefully, learn to enjoy the wonders of sailing and exploring the seas. 3. Additionally, because of Rick’s background in Engineering and the love of STEM/STEAM by several of his grandchildren you may want to consider donating to Florida Foundation of Future Scientists. https://ssefflorida.com/donate A special thanks goes to the staff at Vitas Hospice in Rockledge for their guidance and incredible support during Rick’s final days.