Franklin Joseph Souza

Franklin J. Souza, 82, of Gustine, passed away Thursday,October 23, 2025, at his residence.Mr. Souza was born in Los Banos, California, and was a lifelongresident of Gustine for more than 80 years. He worked hardhis entire life, beginning on his family’s dairy at a young age.He later worked for several companies before starting his ownbusiness in 1982, FS Commercial Fertilizer Spreading & BackhoeService. Together with his beloved wife, Joyce, he built a longstanding,well-respected business that he continued to operateuntil his passing.An avid hunter, Mr. Souza enjoyed hunting wild game in bothNew Mexico and California. His greatest passion was duckhunting and preparing the club for each season’s hunt. Morethan the sport itself, he cherished the time spent with his friendsand family.He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Joyce;his parents, Manuel and Mary Souza; and his brothers, DanielSouza of Los Banos and Jerry Souza of Gustine.He is survived by his two daughters, Corina Wolfsen (Chuck)of Newbury, Ohio, and Christina Gomes (Richie) of Gustine;brothers, Norbert Souza (Karen) of Gustine and Norman Souza(Johnna) of Ceres; sisters, Marie Pricolo (Larry) of Fresno andJannet Herring of Sisters, Oregon; six grandchildren and twogreat-grandchildren.A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November25, 2025, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles in Gustine.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shrine of OurLady of Miracles, 370 Linden Avenue, Gustine, California 95322,or to a charity of choice.