Joseph R. Sousa

Born in Fall River, son of the late Jose and Ermelinda (Almeida) Sousa, he was a lifelong resident of Swansea.

A graduate of Joseph Case High School, he was a Veteran of the United States Army having served during the Vietnam War. He worked as a heavy equipment mechanic his entire career and there was no job his “hands of gold” couldn’t fix. He worked at John Deere in Swansea and as a self-employed contractor for B&B Trucking for thirty years.

Joe was known for his quick wit and his ability to banter with the best. He never missed an opportunity to make someone laugh or to tell one of his very famous tall tales. Along with his great sense of humor came a big heart and generous spirit to match. Joe enjoyed traveling, making memories, spending time riding his Harley, and being a Corvette enthusiast. He will always be remembered as a loyal friend, doting grandfather, and the one and only “Fousa”.

In addition to his loving companion he is survived by three sons, Joseph Sousa and his wife Jamie of Whitman, MA, Kyle Sousa and his wife Kristina of Valrico, FL, Chad Sousa and his wife Marielle of Marion, MA; one daughter, Lisa Zucchero and her husband Joe of Reading, MA; one sister, Veronica Hewitt and her husband Gerald of Berkley, MA; Michelle’s children, Jesse Vasconcellos and his wife Brittany of Somerset, MA, and Jake Vasconcellos and his fiancé Courtney of Quincy, MA; dear friend, Joseph Mello of Swansea; seven grandchildren, Joseph and James Sousa, Joshua and Brandon Zucchero, Haylee Sousa, Jordan Cook, Devin Sousa and several nieces and nephews.

His visitation will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea. Relatives and friends are invited. His Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 10:00AM in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood St., Bristol, Rhode Island. Burial private.