Orlando D. Souza, 84
Dateline; Mansfield, MA
Orlando D. “John” Souza, 84, a lifelong resident of Mansfield died on Wednesday January 10, 2007 surrounded by his loving family at the Epoch Senior Health Care Center in Norton, MA. He was the beloved husband of Marie J. (McCarthy) Souza to whom he was wed to for over 57 years.
Born in Mansfield, MA on December 15, 1922 he was a dear son of the late Frank and Louise (Vieira) Souza and the late Hilda (Silva) Souza.
Educated in Mansfield schools he was a 1940 graduate of Mansfield High School. During WWII he served in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theatre. While overseas he was stationed in Guam. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Technical Sergeant.
A prominent businessman, Mr. Souza began his career in the automotive industry as a Sales Manager at Boggess Buick in East Providence, R.I. The company was later renamed Heritage Buick, Inc. He worked under both company names for 50 years. At the time of the company’s closing he held the position of General Sales Manager. He later worked part time for several years at the former Vicino Buick Pontiac in Mansfield.
A life long communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Mansfield Mr. Souza was awarded the Marian Award for his years of dedicated service. He was selected diocesan lay chairman of the 1982 Catholic Charities Appeal of the diocese of Fall River.
Long involved in numerous organizations, Mr. Souza was a member of the Mansfield Board of Selectmen from 1957-1959 and served as board chairman.
His commitment to the community had included membership and leadership roles in the Mansfield Chapter of the American Red Cross; the George C. Shields Council of Knights of Columbus; Mansfield Lion’s Club: Mansfield High School Alumni Association; and the Six Town Hockomock Area YMCA of North Attleboro.
He was also a member of and served as chairman for 15 years of the Foxboro Federal Savings and Loan Association; and as trustee of the Attleboro Area Serra Club. He had formerly headed the Grandparents Association at St. Sebastian’s School in Needham and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro.
Mr. Souza was an avid golfer and had served 3 times as the president of the Foxborough Country Club and was a member of the board of governors. He was a true new England sports enthusiast
In addition to his beloved wife Marie he is survived by his devoted children Jack Souza and his wife Carole of Mansfield, Bob Souza and his wife Pat of Mansfield, Tom Souza and his wife Sylvie of Wellesley, Paul Souza and his wife Jill of North Attleboro and Janet Moreshead and her husband Dan of Mansfield. His dear sister and brother Celeste Simmons of Uxbridge and Frank Souza of Foxboro. Also survived by his cherished 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren as well as his many nieces and nephews.
His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Monday January 15th at 9:30 A.M. from the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home 55 North Main St. Mansfield followed by a mass of Christian burial concelebrated at 10:30 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church 330 Pratt St. (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Mansfield
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday January 14th from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, it has been requested that donations in Mr. Souza’s memory be made to the Mansfield High School Alumni Scholarship Fund Care of Mansfield High School, East St., Mansfield, MA 02048
For additional information please visit www.shermanjackson.com