Alfred K. Souza, 85, affectionately known as “Okie” to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on July 21st, at Wingate of Harwich. He was the husband of Marinna Matricardi.
Okie grew up in Provincetown, and upon graduation from high school, enlisted in the Navy. He served on the destroyer USS Samuel B. Roberts off the coast of Korea, during the Korean War. In the course of his four-year enlistment, Okie rose to the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. He considered his time in the Navy to be of the highest honor.
After leaving the Navy, Okie received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He became a resident of Truro, and it was here where he found his true passion; the Truro Fire Department. During his thirty-eight-year tenure, he held many positions, ultimately becoming Chief Fire Engineer. He was one of the founders of the Truro Rescue Squad and helped design the Truro Fire and Police Station.
He was also committed to veteran’s affairs and was an active member of the Lewis A. Young Post 3152, Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was on the Board of Directors and served as the Post’s Quartermaster for many years. Okie also worked as a real estate broker and was on the Board of Directors of Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank. He was an avid outdoorsman, often diving for lobsters or hunting in Maine.
Okie was a devoted and loving husband, a compassionate father and honest and true friend. In addition to his beloved wife Marinna, he is survived by his stepdaughters Daniela and Alyssa, stepsons Marc, Eric, and Lon, and grandchildren Alex, Liam and Julian. He is also survived by a sister, Muriel, who resides in Florida. He was predeceased by a sister, Tamsin.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 25th from 6-8 p.m. at the Pamet Harbor Yacht Club, 7 Yacht Club Rd, Truro, MA.