Paul Albert Desouza

Paul was born January 15, 1953 to Cecilia D’Souza (née Solomon) and the late Albert Marshall D’Souza in his mother’s hometown of New Delhi, India. His family settled in Ahmedabad after a brief stint at his father’s ancestral home in Pidmale, Mangalore, of which he retained vivid memories. He studied in St. Xavier’s High School and later at Dadar Catering College in Bombay before joining his father at Kwality, the only stand alone continental restaurant in Ahmedabad at the time. He trained with his father and went on to start many famous restaurants of the 80’s in Ahmedabad - Silver Leaf, Rangoli, Patang, Hasty Tasty and ‘10’, the Restaurant. His attention to detail is remembered until today, especially his legendary touch of personalizing napkins. Many hoteliers in the region sought his counsel.

He married the love of his life, Lucy, when fate decreed she was to join Cama Hotel as a receptionist, and Paul who worked at Silver Leaf restaurant did not waste any time, wooing her with delicacies and his gentle mannerisms. After a brief courtship, they were married on his birthday in 1983. They raised three lovely children: Olive (1984), Christmas baby Noel (1985) and Maryann (1991). Paul moved to the United States in 2000 and worked in Kroger, creating a reputation for a principled hard worker who ensured that justice was served.

Paul had a passion for serving people - he did this throughout his life, first as the quintessential host, but also serving many of the catering staff behind the scenes. He dearly loved animals and was constantly walking his beloved pets, from Jackie to Dash, he loved them all. His family remember him as a man who did not beat around the bush but told it like it was. He had a gentle sense of humor that shone through and left his family in splits. After his restaurant management days, he blossomed as a fine chef and the memories of his soups, curries and seafood platters will not be soon forgotten.

Paul is survived by his loving wife Lucy (née Fernandes) of 40 years) and his children Olive (and son-in-law Sandeep), Noel (and daughter-in-law Nikky), and Maryann. His memory lives on in his grandchildren, Amira and Armaan. And little Simi, who is inextricably linked with his family and a close friend of Amira. He is cherished and remembered by his beloved mother Cecilia and his six siblings: Anthony, Margaret, Mathew, Juliet, Martha, & Conrad and their families. He was predeceased by his father, Albert.

Paul Albert Desouza died on January 4th, 2023 after a brief battle with brain cancer, just a few days shy of his 70th birthday and 40th wedding anniversary. The family is deeply saddened by his sudden death, taking consolation that his pain and suffering is at an end.

The family requests no flowers. Should you wish to donate in honor of Paul, please consider the Glioblastoma Foundation and/or join them on April 22, 2023 for the Angels Among Us/Walk of Hope 5K in Durham.

www.glioblastomafoundation.org

Angels Among Us 5K & Walk Of Hope

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for all the love and support they’ve received.

Dev Borem Korum (God bless you)

Please see below for the schedule of services that will be held to celebrate Paul’s life.

Live mass link for January 28th

US time - 12 PM EST

UK time - 5 PM

India time - 10:30 PM

https://www.stmichaelcary.org/live-mass/