Daniel Richard Souza

Daniel Richard Souza passed peacefully at home on June 17, 2024. Dan was born July 2, 1951 to Frank and Frances Souza in Hayward, Ca. He met his future wife, Theresa Smith, in high school. They dated throughout college and married in 1976. They both attended Chico State and Dan transferred to Fresno State in 1974 to begin the Physical Therapy curriculum. Upon graduation and board certification, he practiced at Community Hospital Rehabilitation, eventually partnered to open Sanger Physical Therapy and practiced for 43 years.

In 1985, Dan, his wife and two young children moved to North Carolina where he attended the University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill and earned a Master’s Degree in Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy while concurrently enrolled in the Athletic Trainer coursework. Dan was involved in the athletic programs for the UNC Football, Lacrosse and Women’s Swim teams. He enjoyed working with the athletes and especially loved traveling as a team member. Dan’s Master’s research study was later published in the Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association. His goal of becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer culminated in Baltimore, MD, when honored with the “Eddie Wojecki Award” in recognition of outstanding academic achievement in athletic training for having earned the highest academic certification score in the US. Thereafter, he was a proud life-long Tar Heel.

During the hiatus in North Carolina, Dan managed his Sanger Physical Therapy business from afar. It operated in the hands of wonderful Physical Therapist colleagues and support staff. Upon return to Sanger, Dan expanded his practice and renamed it Sanger Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy. His professional reach into the community aligned with many athletic programs, coaching, schools and volunteer endeavors. Additionally, he was an endless advocate for his patients, maximizing their post-operative and rehabilitation outcomes. Admirably, he was not a quitter and was generous with his therapy time well after insurance benefits tapped out and often without charge. Dan had a dedicated, helping nature and his philosophy was strongly hinged to advancing his patients’ physical capabilities and wellness. He thoroughly enjoyed their hard work and success. Dan’s Physical Therapy office was recognized for an Outstanding Business Award by the Sanger Chamber of Commerce in 2003.

In retirement, Dan enjoyed gardening, traveling, wood-working and sports anything - hiking, biking, paddle boarding and more if there had been time. His wood projects were artistic and intricate and he developed a high level of skill as a wood craftsman. His greatest happiness was fulfilled through family – the addition of his son-in-law, Chris Bauer and his daughter-in-law, KD Pfaff and six beautiful grandchildren, 4 girls and 2 boys. Dan cherished his immediate and extended family, many friends, Physical Therapist colleagues, co-workers and patients. Dan will be sadly missed, but remembered for being an outstanding and accomplished Physical Therapist, a great father and family man and a true friend.

Despite being diligently attentive to his health, his diagnosis came as a resounding shock. He endured a difficult treatment regimen for Prostate Cancer and intended that his unfortunate journey might prompt others to be duly warned about this insidious condition.

Dan is survived by his wife, Theresa, his son Phillip Souza (KD) and daughter Stephanie Bauer (Chris). He loved and had many wonderful times with his six grandchildren – Brooklyn, Cooper, Paige Souza and Reese, Quinn, Griffin Bauer. Dan is also survived by his siblings Jim (Susan) of Turlock, Carole Scott (Tim) of Napa, and Frank (Joy) of Scotts Valley as well as many nieces, nephews and relatives. Dan was predeceased by his parents.

Dan and his family are thankful for the care provided by his Physicians – Dr. Alam, Dr. Chaudhary, Dr. Macmillan and the nurses and staff at Clovis Community Cancer Center as well as the Compassionate Care Hospice team of providers. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society are appreciated.

A Memorial Mass for Daniel will be held Friday, July 19, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 929 Harvard Avenue, Clovis, CA 93612.