SEBASTIAN — Joe Kelly and Anthony LaRosa will forever be remembered by the Sebastian River High School Sharks Rowing Club. The crew dedicated two boats in the young men’s memories Friday evening, naming each after their fallen teammates.
Between the tears and sniffles, fellow rowers recalled memories of the young men who died too soon.
Kelly was 21 when he died in a cave diving accident in March 2010. LaRosa was 19 when he passed in July 2010 due to a vehicular collision.
Their families joined the crew to christen the boats outside Marsh Landing Restaurant in Fellsmere.
Michael Kelly, Joe’s dad, said he had feared his son would be forgotten over time but with the dedication of the “Smiling Joe Kelly,” “that’s now not the case.”
The younger Kelly was one of the original members of the Sharks Rowing Club and worked to recruit more to the crew.
“He was in a real good space,” his dad said. “The world would be so much better if it had him in it longer.”
René LaRosa, Anthony LaRosa’s mom, couldn’t hold back the tears as she talked about what it meant to her to see the Rowing Club and community turn out for the dedication.
“It’s extremely heartwarming,” she said. “The rowing community and community at large have been extremely supportive.”
LaRosa said her son loved rowing and loved life in general.
“He looked forward to rowing every day,” she said, adding that her son often said that if they had better equipment they could row even better.
Her fondest memory of LaRosa’s rowing was a meet at Key Biscayne where the water was the most beautiful aqua. She recalled Anthony getting into the boat and shooting her and his dad, Peter LaRosa, a huge smile.
During the meet, their boat got hung up on some weeds. After a short struggle, they were able to break free and took off like a shot, LaRosa said.
“It was hysterical,” she said, laughing with the memory.
For those old enough, a champagne toast was conducted prior to the christening of the boats, officiated by the club’s former president Jack Keltner, a former Navy serviceman.
“To the sailors of old, to the Joe Kelly and the Anthony LaRosa,” the crowd said during the toast. What was left in their glasses was poured atop the bows of each boat.
Coach Tom Lange reminded the crowd to think of Kelly and LaRosa often – that he, himself, remembers them when he sees a sunset.
“I wish it didn’t have to be this way,” he said, but there is no better way to honor them than to name these boats for them.
The Smiling Joe Kelly and the Anthony LaRosa make boats 11 and 12 in the Sebastian River Rowing Club’s fleet.
The club has raised $17,000 – much from the families – so far to pay for the boats but another $40,000 is needed to fully cover their cost.
The club is hosting a 5K run/walk starting from Riverview Park in Sebastian at 8 a.m. Sunday as a way to help generate the needed funds. The cost to participate is $25 in advance, $30 on race day.
Applications are available at Runner’s Depot of Vero Beach, 436 21st St., Vero Beach. Questions regarding the 5K can be directed to (772) 569-7364 or E-mail: runnersdepot@comcast.net.
“Both these guys really epitomized teamwork,” Coach Lange said. “They were always there for their team and to help and grow the sport.”
Anyone interested in donating to the rowing club can send checks to Sebastian River High School, 9001 Shark Blvd., Sebastian, FL 32958 and made payable to SRHS Crew. In the memo line, specify Boat Dedication.