Louis J. Souza

Stonington - A gentle, caring, generous heart stopped beating on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014. Louis J. Souza, 92, of Pawcatuck, passed away following a brief illness, surrounded by his family.

Born in Fall River, Mass., on Sept. 22, 1921, Lou was the second youngest of 16 children born to Manuel and Isabel (Rocha) Souza. He was the last surviving offspring. Lou and his family moved to Stonington Borough in 1929, the beginning of a love affair with the lovely village by the sea that lasted throughout his whole life. He became a local historian who loved to reminisce about the good old days in the Borough. His fond memory of his younger days was a God given gift.

An avid golfer and former member of SENESGA (senior golf assocation), he wants his friends and family to know he has gone onto the Big Golf Course in the sky.

Lou is survived by his two children, Louis Sousa (Sharon) of Clarksburg, Md., Lillian Arbour (Raymond) of Pawcatuck; four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Stonington High School in 1941.

On April 27, 1942, he married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn (Nichols) Souza. Sadly, she predeceased him on Feb. 17, 1994. In the early 50s, he built a honeymoon cottage for his beloved bride and children on Pequot Trail, calling it home for over 50 years.

Lou's life was well lived and filled with creativity. He was a talented songwriter, and clarinet and accordion player. He also authored 14 books and numerous video documentaries, two of which earned him Comcast's Outstanding Producer Awards. His documentaries are currently scheduled to be aired at 8 pm. on Sundays on Comcast Channel 12,

His list of accomplishments include master craftsman and skilled shipwright. The family's proud slogan was, if you can spell it, Lou can build it.

As a World War II veteran and a member of the greatest generation, his philosophy of life is certain to be his legacy for years to come.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a medic in the South Pacific for 38 months. Upon his return from the war, he enrolled at Chapman Technical High School under the GI Bill. Lou then joined the staff of Stonington Boat Works in the Borough. He was employed there for 17 years building and repairing the wooden fishing fleet for which our town has become ever so famous.

He went on to Electric Boat to work as a loftsman, and then as a shipbuilder at the Noank Shipyard in the 60s. He also completed the restoration of the sandbagger Annie for the Mystic Seaport and rebuilt a 19-foot Anderson catboat that was renamed Pumpkin in the early 70s.

At age 65, he began a second career at the Mystic Aquarium as a tour guide. He became a part of an elite senior group known as the Grey Seals, remaining there until age 80. He often said they were the best years of his life, developing numerous friendships that continued throughout the years.

He was a past commander of the VFW Post 1265 and past president of the Pawcatuck Little League. He was a driving force in the creation of the war memorial monument located on the front lawn of Stonington Town Hall. He never wanted his fellow comrades who died in war to be forgotten, a passion close to his heart.

During his golfing career he aced two holes in one. The first was hole #6 at Pequot Golf Course on July 14, 1987, and the second was hole #16 at Winnapaug Country Club July 28, 1990. He was extremely proud, boasting about both every chance he could.

Lou belonged to St. Michael's Church, the Stonington Historical Society, the American Legion, and was a life member of the Portuguese Holy Ghost Club, the Mystic Aquarium, and VFW Post 1265. He was also a member of the Society of Inkwell Collectors.

He and his family would like to thank the devoted volunteers and staff of the TVCCA Meals on Wheels program for their services, time, and energy delivering every week. He thoroughly enjoyed the meals and his visits with all of the friendly drivers was a highlight of his day.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lou's memory may be sent to the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society, 26 Main St., Stonington, CT 06378, Attn: Fred Souza (Building Fund).

Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today, Feb. 10, 2014, at the Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1, Mystic. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at St. Mary Church, 95 Main St., Stonington. Immediately following the mass, friends are invited to go directly to the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society where the family will meet them after a brief private burial at Stonington Cemetery.

Please visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to leave an online message of condolence.