Anthony "Tony" Souza

ANTHONY (TONY) SOUZA A memorial service for Anthony R. Souza, 72, of Oakland will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 28, 2005 at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Oakland. He passed away Sunday morning, October 16, 2005, at a local hospital. Tony was born on "All Saints Day" November 1, 1932, the seventh of nine children, to John and Ludovina Souza in Oakland, California. Tony attended St. Mary's Grammar School, Piedmont High School, and San Jose State University, where he graduated with a B.S. degree in Marketing. During the mid-1950s and through the 1960s, Tony and his friends, were some of the first surfers in Northern California. Making their own surfboards and using wool sweaters to ward off the chilling waters, they surfed formidable breaks such as Kelly's Cove at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, Pedro Point and Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, Steamers Lane and Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz, and breaks all the way down through Los Angeles to Mexico and back. A golf fanatic, he strived to perfect his golf swing and even made a "hole in one" more than once. He proudly displayed the "hole in one" trophy on his wall. His love for golf was reflected in his desire to give "free" golf lessons to anyone willing, with the guarantee he could straighten out your swing with only one lesson. He was a devoted father, grandfather and loving husband. He loved to travel and visit family and friends, especially if he could get in a few holes of golf, from Lake Tahoe to Myrtle Beach. Tony treated everyone as though they were part of his family, cracking jokes, telling stories, and showing endless amounts of energy, attention and affection. When you talked to Tony, he always made you feel as though you were the center of attention; however, he always seemed to glean the majority of the spotlight. Tony worked for several years with his brothers at the family's former restaurant on Lakeshore Avenue, "Oscar's Restaurant" featuring "The Seven Souza Brothers." The restaurant was in the family and a local institution for over 35 years, hosting a fireplace, piano bar, local bands, the best food in town, and winning sports teams and players of the 1970s, such as the Oakland Raiders and the World Champion Oakland A's. Real Estate was a passion for Tony, which he pursued for over 35 years. His love for his work in Real Estate came from meeting so many wonderful people in the Bay Area. Survivors include five brothers: Frank Souza, Jim Souza, Mack Souza, Carl Souza and Clyde Souza and one sister, Marie Bither. Also survived by his loving wife, Corinne Souza and their five children, Julie Souza, Michelle Souza Williamson of Chico, Lawrence Souza of San Francisco, David Souza and Sherri Souza of Seattle, Washington. Seven grandchildren also survive him. Private Inurnment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Oakland. Memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 1535 16th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94606