1928 - 2021
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
No Funeral Date Scheduled
Francis Xavier Souza, 92, of Hollis, NH formerly of Westford, MA died January 1, 2021 at his daughter’s home in Dunstable, MA.
He was married to the late Catherine Marie Souza, who died on November 10, 2020.
Born in Saugus, MA, he was the son of the late John and Maria Souza. He graduated from Wakefield High School in 1947 and from the Massachusetts TV & Radio School. He attended MIT and Lowell Technological Institute (presently UMASS Lowell).
He proudly served with the U.S. Army Air Corps. at the end of WWII.
Francis retired in 1991 after 33 years from Textron Systems of Wilmington, MA formerly AVCO, where he worked as an engineer. He had previously worked at MIT.
He was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Nashua, NH and a former communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in N. Chelmsford.
Francis was a member of Chelmsford Elks and the H. E. Fletcher Club in Westford, MA. He enjoyed golfing and doing home improvements.
He is survived by three sons, Paul Souza of Idyllwild, CA, James and his wife, Florence Souza of Andover, MA and John and his wife, Christine Souza of Hollis, NH; three daughters, Patricia Souza of Clermont, FL, Janet and her husband, Robert Van Gelder of Truckee, CA and Carol Rock of Dunstable, MA; a brother, George and his wife, Joan Souza of Wakefield, MA; a sister in law, Christine Souza of Melbourne, FL; ten grandchildren, Jessica Souza, Kathleen Souza, Kimberly Souza, Camille Souza, Collin Souza, Cameron Rock, Bethany Rock, Erica Van Gelder, Marc Van Gelder and Amy Van Gelder and many nieces and nephews.
He was the grandfather of the late Gregory Souza. Brother of the late John Souza, the late Manuel Souza, and the late Mary Maguire.
There will be no visiting hours. Due to Covid-19 regulations, please attend his Funeral Mass of Christian Burial virtually at chelmsfordcatholic.org; St. John the Evangelist Church Live View on Thursday Jan 7, 2021 at 11am. Burial in Dunstable Central Cemetery. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com.
Jeanne Lalich
| #
Dearest Janet and family,
Please know that you and your family are prayed for daily in my morning prayers but now even more so as my thoughts encircle you during this sad and difficult time.
While you have lost your father from this earth, remember that in Christ, love never dies. May your father’s love remain in your heart and mind. As you grieve, do not forget that you are also God’s beloved daughter (and sons) precious in his eyes. May his grace carry you and his peace hold you near.
Love,
Jeanne
Lisa Radcliffe
| #
To the Souza family-
It was so wonderful to know your dad. He was always smiling and jovial. May he be sailing on in the next world uniting with your mom and be in a constant state of bliss. The Radcliffe’s love the Souza’s… we share in your sadness of missing him . Xoxo. Lisa
Marco Lalich
| #
Janet,
Losing both parents in such a short time is a tough burden to taken on. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you sweet girl!
Marco
Frank and Laura Lazarek
| #
Blessing on your family at this time of loss…our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Bishop Manogue Catholic High School
Leigh Richards
| #
Dear Souza Family,
I am proud to have known your dad most of my life. I loved when we were younger he would say “what are you cat’s doing” he was always happy and kind. He took his journey his way that lead him back to your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time.
Moffat-Clement Clan
| #
Dear Souza family,
Our prayers are with your family. We did not know your parents but feel that they must have been wonderful people to have such a caring and lovely children.
Don Wetmore
| #
My Sincere Sympathies to Souza Family.
A wonderful man now again reunited with his lovely wife. My best wishes and prayers to all Family and Friends.