Joseph R. Souza Jr.

JOSEPH R. SOUZA, JR. December 28, 1937 September 25, 2006 Joseph R. Souza, Jr. was born on December 28, 1937, in Los Banos, California and passed away on Monday, September 25, 2006, in Merced, California, at the age of 68 years. Mr. Souza moved to Le Grand, California at the age of five. He attended the local Elementary and High School. He worked in construction for 50 years. He was a member of the Le Grand Elementary School Board, Le Grand Lions Club, Le Grand Community Day Committee, Past Le Grand Volunteer Fireman, and lifetime member of National Riflemen's Association. He was also a member of Antique Doorknob Collectors of American and 50 Plus Club. Joe never met a stranger, and was always willing to help anyone in need. Joe was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and enjoyed collecting unique items. His most treasured collection was his antique doorknobs. Joe will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Mr. Souza was preceded in death his parents, Margaret and Joe Souza, Sr.; and sister, Margaret Mary McIntire. He is survived by his sons, Joe Souza III of Mariposa, and Anthony Souza of Maple Grove, Minnesota; daughters, Debbie Esquivel of Le Grand, Mary Anne Souza of Winton, JoAnne Hernandez of Merced, and Stacy Souza of Merced; brother, Alfred Souza of Gustine; and sisters, Rosemarie Williams of Clovis, Mary Agnes Wilson of Fresno and Caroline Sigona of Belmont. He is also survived by ten grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home on Sunday, October 1, 2006, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. with Recitation of the Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Le Grand on Monday, October 2, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Plainsburg Cemetery. Remembrances may be made in Joseph Souza's name to the Le Grand Elementary School Girls Softball Field Fund, P.O. Box 27, Le Grand, CA 95333. STRATFORD-EVANSFUNERAL HOMEMerced (209)722-4191