Hello, my grandfather, Antoine Khalil/Kalil came from Syria as well around 1900/1901. Not usre if there was a stop of in Brazil but he came to the port in Boston. His wife was Rosa Assif. The moved to Maine, Caribu, or Presque Isle, not sure. He wanted to be more "American" so they changed their last name to, Kelley. Rosa Assif is buried in Lawrence, MA. Not sure if any of this helps.