Frank Russell "Russ" DeSouza

1955 - 2016

Stonington - Frank Russell DeSouza "Russ" of Pawcatuck, born Sept. 14, 1955, passed from a heart attack, suddenly and unexpectedly, while at work at Electric Boat in Groton on Monday, Aug. 22, 2016.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of forty years, Bonnie Maynard DeSouza. Frank and Bonnie were married on July 24th, 1976. They had two children, Heidi Myers of Norwich and Mark DeSouza of North Stonington.

Frank is dearly missed, not only by his wife and children, but by his three surviving grandchildren, Isaiah Brown of Westerly, Elijah (Louie) Myers and Tavah Myers of Norwich.

Frank excelled in his dutiful, hard work at Electric Boat in a career that spanned forty years, decorated with achievements and specialized trainings. He was due to receive a reward this coming October commemorating his excellence in work.

Frank will be remembered and missed deeply by his numerous coworkers, copious friends and large extended family who thought so highly of him for his sharp wit and sense of humor, his extremely generous and compassionate nature, his love of family and festivity, and his wide-ranging natural talents including playing the drums (and guitar) from the young age of nine years old, one of many of his lifelong passions.

Frank's other interests and hobbies, included over the years, were his love for nature and the outdoors. Frank once climbed Mt. Washington in New Hampshire and canoed the Allagash River in Maine with good friends and coworkers. Photography, particularly of nature and family and friends, was another of Frank's loves and he would often take solo motorcycle rides to various local places of natural beauty to take photos. Fortunately he leaves us with his cherished photo collection. No mention of Frank's passions and interests would be complete without acknowledging his die-hard fanaticism for the New England Patriots where he would often shout at the TV during bad plays or remain despondent and down for days if they lost a game.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Frank is survived by his two sisters, Phyllis DeSouza Barr of North Kingstown, R.I. and Cindy DeSouza of Voluntown; two sisters-in-law, Carrie Michon of Voluntown and Darlene Maynard Olds of Texas City, Texas; three brothers-in-law, Steven Barr of North Kingstown, R.I., Gary Olds of Texas City, Texas and Rande Erickson of Baxter, Minn.

Frank maintained a close and constant communication over the phone with his many other extended family members including cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces, all of whom he loved and cared for deeply.

Frank was predeceased by his mother, Caroline Lawrence DeSouza and his father, Frank DeSouza, both of Mystic.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Mystic, with a reception to follow at the Mystic Hilton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Heart Association.