Obituary published on Legacy.com by Rebello Funeral Home & Crematory on Mar. 31, 2026.
East Providence - David A. Sousa, known to family and friends as David, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Evergreen Nursing in
East Providence, Rhode Island, at the age of 79. He was born on February 12, 1947, in Sao Miguel, Azores, and carried the values and traditions of his homeland with him throughout his life.
David was the beloved husband of Belmira (Tavares) Sousa, and they shared more than 53 years of marriage filled with devotion, partnership, and love. He was the son of the late Jose and Conceicao (Medeiros) Sousa and the cherished father of Andre Sousa and his wife Michelle of Riverside, Patricia Sousa and her spouse Sandra Costa of North Attleboro and Anabela Escobar and her husband Gerry of Rehoboth, Massachusetts. He was also a proud grandfather of Ethan Escobar, Ava Escobar, and Benjamin Sousa. David is survived by his brother Joao Sousa of Winnipeg, Canada, and his brother Jose Alvaro of Sao Miguel. He was predeceased by his brothers Paul Sousa and Samuel Sousa. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will remember him with love and gratitude.
David made his home in East Providence since 1980, after coming from Portugal, and he became a familiar and respected part of the community. He worked as an auto mechanic for Cordeiro Auto Sales for over 47 years, where his skill, dedication, and strong work ethic earned the trust and admiration of those around him. He was the kind of man people relied upon, someone who could be counted on to solve a problem, repair what was broken, and do so with patience and care. His reputation as a true "Mr. Fix It" was well deserved, and his hands were rarely still when something needed attention.
He was a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Church, where his faith and presence were part of the fabric of his life. David lived with a quiet strength and a generous heart, and he was known for being loving, handy, and creative. He brought warmth and steadiness to his family and to all who knew him. He found joy in the simple and meaningful pleasures of life, especially fishing, dancing, music, and spending time with his loved ones. He also had a deep affection for animals, which reflected the gentle and caring side of his nature.
Those who knew David will remember a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and lived with purpose. He was happiest when surrounded by family, and he valued the moments shared with those closest to him. His life was marked by commitment, resilience, and devotion to the people and places he loved. Whether through his long career, his faith, or his role as husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, David left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know him.
His memory will live on in the hearts of his devoted wife, his children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and many friends. Though he will be deeply missed, the love he gave, the example he set, and the kindness he showed will remain a lasting comfort to those who mourn his passing.
His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:00am in the Historic Chapel of Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the RISPCA, 155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI 02886, would be appreciated .
Arrangements by the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, East Providence. www.rebellofuneralhomes.com.
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