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Albert Joseph Sousa

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Ferndale High School

Albert Sousa Obituary

1925-2010 Albert Joseph Sousa, 85, of Redding, CA and formerly of Arcata, CA died December 23, 2010. He was born May 17, 1925 in Ferndale, CA to parents Joseph and Emelia Sousa. He is survived by his loving wife Phyllis, son Dennis and wife Joyce, son Donnie, daughter Barbara and husband Michael, daughter Jeanette and husband Brent, 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 1 "adopted grandson" Ben, son of his beloved Pastor Chuck Clark and wife Diane. He is also survived by siblings Marie Rocha, Alice Haywood, Ernest Sousa and Eugene Sousa. Albert grew up in Ferndale, CA and attended Centerville Elementary School, also known as the Red School House and Ferndale High School. He enlisted in the Armed Services in 1943, serving in the Navy, earning 9 stars in the Asiatic Pacific and 2 stars in the Philippine Liberation. He dearly loved his country and expressed that love until the end of his life. Albert married his sweetheart, Phyllis Haywood on October 4, 1945. After returning from WWII he had a dairy farm in Ferndale and then later moved to Arcata where he also had a dairy farm and later drove school bus for the Arcata Elementary School District and then the Arcata High School District. Albert was in the first group of Reserve Police Officers for the Arcata Police Department. He so loved being involved in all the sports and other activities of his children and grandchildren. Albert, along with Phyllis, were very active volunteers at the Arcata Community Center serving the Senior Citizens and the Meals on Wheels. He had a real love of music and loved playing his harmonica at church, with different groups in Arcata and playing for residents of senior homes, assisted living homes, convalescence hospitals and then continued playing at similar places after moving to Redding. Albert and Phyllis were members of the Wesleyan Church of the Redwoods and loved the fellowship with all their "church family". A celebration of Albert's life will be held on Saturday, April 23, at 1 p.m. at the Arcata Community Center, followed by a dessert reception. The family requests donations be made to the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, 1910 California St., Eureka, CA 95501. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.

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Published by Times-Standard from Apr. 10 to Apr. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Sousa

15 Entries

April 21, 2011

Deepest Sympathy and Prayers to the Sousa Family.
Gary & Kay Taylor, McKinleyville

April 21, 2011

To the Sousa Family,
We know how much you all miss Al; we do, too. We were friends at the Senior Center and so enjoyed all of Al and the other musicians as they shared their talents with us.
We won't be able to be with you on Saturday.
Sincerely,
James (Jim) and Leona Doherty, formerly of Arcata; now of Yuba City

Joe and June DeMello

April 19, 2011

Dear Sousa Family,
Sending our most sincere condolences on the passing of Al . One of the best guys I ever met.
Joe and June DeMello

Maria (Mary) Paradise

April 18, 2011

To the Sousa Family,
My heartfelt condolences, thoughts & prayers are sent to you. My memories of Mr. Sousa & family was through my parents, James & CARMELA Paradise & my Godparents, Tony & Shirley Fraga. Mr. Sousa was a kind, compassionate, generous, great sense of humor, great story teller, & proud man. His legacy will be remembered through his example, his wife & his children. Mr. Sousa will be missed. Via con Dios.

Angie Sousa-Berg

April 18, 2011

So many amazing memories with a wonderful grandfather who truly enjoyed life and made every minute together so special. I know you are up there playing wonderful music with the best of the best! Love and miss you Granpa.

Cherie Sumner

April 17, 2011

Sousa Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

Roz Keller

April 14, 2011

Dear Sousa Family,
Al will be lovingly remembered here at the Humboldt Senior Resource Center for the joy he brought through his music and his sweet nature.
It was an honor knowing him.

Judy Kent

April 13, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Sousa was my bus driver for a few years and I also went to school with Barbara. She may remember me (Judy Kent). I know your pain and I hope GOD will comfort you. God Bless

Tim & Daphne Hershberger

April 12, 2011

Dear Sousa Family,

I will forever miss his wonderful harmonica playing -- as well as his beautiful singing. He was such a wonderful man. When he gave my husband and I two harmonicas, I thought they were for our twins. He told me that he thought Tim and I should play them instead. They were gifts for the two of us, not the kids. We miss his jokes, smiles and thoughtfulness.

Much love,

Tim & Daphne Hershberger

Chris Christiansen

April 11, 2011

So sorry to hear of Alberts passing. Some of my best
childhood memories were the visits to Albert and "Philly's" house in Arcata with my
parents Ed and Janice. The Sousas are a wonderful family led by a precious man.

My best to all of you.
Chris Christiansen
Exeter CA

Merry Melody Makers

Johnnie & Mary Avila

April 11, 2011

To the Sousa Family;
We will always remember Al as a happy, talented, compassionet man, who loved his wife dearly. Johnnie knew him in Ferndale. Al talked Johnnie & I into joining the "Merry Melody Makers",years ago. singing 4 times a month, which we continued until Al left for Redding. We have listened to his harmonica playing with the "Love Band", "Sing & Sway with Al & Ray" many times & places. He was a dedicated serviceman as we sang for all Veteran holidays. Johnnie still drinks his reccommended "Cure All", vinegar & honey every day.
We will remember this wonderful man forever. Our prayers go out to his wonderful loving wife, Phyllis.
God rest his soul.
Love, Johnnie & Mary Avila

Marilyn Dobberstein

April 11, 2011

To all of the Sousa Family:
I was so sorry to hear of Alberts' passing. I have so many good memories of him. All of you have always been special to me. I just want you to know how much I care and I always will.
Love, Marilyn Dobberstein

George Lorentzen

April 10, 2011

Sousa Family,
On behalf of my family,please accept our sorrow in the passing of a wonderful man. As a student at Arcata High I remember Mr.Sousa,as man that really could relate to young people, someone that made a lasting impression. The time he donated to the city of Arcata made it a great place to grow up in. To his family my sincere condolences.

Hon. Ronald D. Rowland Ret.

April 10, 2011

When Al left us the community lost one of it's best. When someone spends several nights a week for several years riding around in a squad car with a person, you get to know that person pretty well. He was a wonderful man which can best be exemplified by the children he raised. Orbie and I extend our condolences to the Sousa family; knowing Al has left you with some wonderful memories. Orbie & Hon. Ronald D Rowland Ret

Jerry & Becky Ross

April 10, 2011

Dear Sousa Family,
So sad to hear of your father's passing. He was one of the best.
The last time we saw your father was when we were in high school - some 40+ years ago. Al was one of the best people we knew then. We never will forget his generosity, his sincerity, his sense of humor - he can be said to be one of the best things that happened to Arcata.
May God's blessing be upon you and may memories of your father comfort you.

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