Fernando Lopes Sousa, 75 of Lowell, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Olga E. (Alves) Sousa with whom he shared the last 51 years of marriage.
He was born on May 12, 1948, in Ribeira Grande, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, the son of the late Antonio P. de Sousa and the late Maria Jose Silva Lopes. Raised in São Miguel, he attended local schools and worked as a clerk in a local store, as well as a server at weddings and functions. He immigrated to the United States on January 4, 1973, and settled in Lowell.
Fernando held positions as a logistics specialist at Wang Labs and King Warehouse before he finished his career at NEC, where he worked for 5 years. Unfortunately, due to various illnesses, he was forced into early retirement in 1992.
Fernando was a devout Catholic and a faithful member of St. Anthony's Church, where he dedicated his time to volunteering with feasts and assisting in organizing auctions and processions. Additionally, he was an active member of the Portuguese American Civic League, also known as 'the Red's Club,' as well as the Holy Ghost Society.
Fernando was an passionate supporter of S.L. Benfica soccer team. He meticulously logged all the scores and for several years, he also served as a sports broadcaster for Lowell's Portuguese station airing every Sunday morning on WUML. During his broadcasts, he provided detailed game breakdowns and score updates. Known for his sociable nature, Fernando was a well-known figure in the Portuguese community. He held a strong sense of pride in his roots and was equally proud of his accomplishments in his adopted country, embodying the American dream.
In addition to his wife of 51 years, Olga Sousa of Lowell, he is survived by his five children, Fernando Sousa and his wife, Ginger of Lowell, Olga Gauthier and her husband, David of Dracut, Sandy Reilly and her husband, William of Methuen, Debby Long of Wilmington, and Kelly Mulenga of Dracut, his nine grandchildren, Janelle Sousa, Ava Gauthier, William Reilly, Cole O'Hanley, Caitlyn Reilly, Braedon Long, Liseli Mulenga, Sofia Long and Cairo Mulenga. He is also survived by his sister, Carminda Sousa and her husband, Antonio of Sao Miguel, Azores; and several nieces and nephews.
He was warmly welcomed into heaven by his parents, his daughter, the late Linda Sousa, and his brother, the late Altino Sousa.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Polycystic Kidney Disease PKD Foundation at: PKD Donation Link
On Monday, February 19, 2024 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 4-8 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816.
His funeral will begin on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by his funeral mass at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell. Burial will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury.
For those who can not attend, his funeral will be live streamed at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning at: