Name: Calling hours
Start: 2017-10-03T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-10-03T18:00:00.000Z
Location: George C. Lima Funeral Home

BORN

January 4, 1935

DIED

September 29, 2017

AGE

LOCATION

Swansea, Massachusetts

George C. Lima Funeral Home, Inc. - Bristol Obituary

Manuel F. Sousa, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, September 29, 2017. He was the beloved husband of Helen (Annable) Sousa. Prior to moving to Swansea, he was born and raised in Bristol, RI. He was a Navy Veteran serving during the Korean War. He devoted his life to his family and his remarkable career in the labor movement which included President Kennedy sending him to Brazil in an exchange of labor leaders in 1962. He also rallied alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Walter Reuther for the March on Washington for Civil Rights in 1963. Mr. Sousa worked for organized labor for 47 years, being elected to his first position in 1955 with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in New York. In 1968 he began working for the Rhode Island Textile Union and later served as Area Director of Organizing for the Hospital Workers of 1199. He retired in 2001 from the Laborers' International Union of North America, retiring as Business Manager of Local Union 1322 and Executive Board Member of the RI Laborer's District Council. He was also a long time Executive Board Member of the RI AFL-CIO. Besides his wife he is survived by his devoted children James Sousa of Swansea, Manuel (Chip) Sousa of Swansea, Sharon Sousa of Bristol and daughter in law Darcie Palazzo of Bristol. He was the grandfather of Joshua and Joseph Sousa of Riverside RI. He is survived by brothers Raymond Falcoa and Herculano (Okie) Falcoa and sisters' in law Suzanne Falcoa and Donna Falcoa of Bristol. He will be missed by all who knew him. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, October 3rd, 3 – 6 PM at the George Lima Funeral Home 367 High Street, Bristol with a Prayer Service starting at 6 PM. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to: Compassionate Care Hospice 248 East Chestnut Hill Rd Suite 4 Newark DE 19713.

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Manny, I can't believe that it has been six years since you entered God's golden gates of Heaven. Manny you changed my life as well as others so much for the better. I consider you a true friend and LIUNA brother who not only talked about helping others but practiced the art in life. As the Bible says, " treat others the way that you would want them to treat you" You put others first in your life and it is the reason that so many people miss you. Manny thank you for being part of my life and...

EDWARD DIPRETE JR

September 23, 2023 | Killeen, TX | Coworker

Manny will be dearly missed by all of us Who worked with him over the years. Millie was truly a very special person whose life in focus was on providing support to those in need. From a professional prospective, As a labor leader, he was a team player, trustworthy and levelheaded when participating in labor management meetings. He was intuitive and understood the importance of resolving conflict through meaningful negotiation. He also had a wonderful sense of humor that he often injected...

James Benedict

October 03, 2017 | Narragansett, RI | Friend

Dear Helen and Family:

We were so sorry to hear of your Family's loss.
Manny was one of the finest men I have ever known. He was a true Union Leader who always put his Member's interests first.
He changed my life and the lives of all of those who were close to him. He also changed the lives of thousands of of others for the better.
While we will all miss him, we should find some comfort in the fact that he still lives on as a part of each of us. His patience, kindness and...

Tom Coffey

October 02, 2017 | Foster, RI

Manny Sousa, you were a mentor and a true friend. You changed my life in many positive ways. I will always remember you with a smile on my face and a good thought of you doing what you do best helping people.

Rest in peace my friend.

Anthony Marsella

October 02, 2017

Manny was a true friend that changed my life and so many others for the better. May you rest in peace.

Edward DiPrete Jr

October 01, 2017 | KILLEEN, TX

Manny was a good man and a good friend. I spent many years with him doing Union work. He always put his family and workers first. I also got to know his wonderful family. You made your mark in this world and will be remembered for it. You will be missed.

Ken Lantagne

October 01, 2017 | Warwick, RI

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Joe & Donna Silvia

October 01, 2017

Manny Sousa was a good man--a huge understatement. He worked hard, effectively, and with vision to quickly see all sides of a problem or dispute, and had that rare ability to quickly identify fair solutions acceptable to both labor and management.

I also regard Manny as a friend, a source of sound advice in avoiding issues that could cause useless problems rather than all of us moving forward.

Manny Sousa will be sorely missed.

Edward D. DiPrete, Cranston, RI

Edward DiPrete

September 30, 2017 | Cranston, RI

Manuel Falco Sousa

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