Denis Raphael D'Souza

Denis Raphael D’Souza was born on July 10, 1930 in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. He was the sixth of eight children born to Anthony D’Souza and Benedicta D’Souza (née Lasrado). He was a quiet boy, but enjoyed sports and playing with his friends.

When he completed university, he was recruited by Caltex Petroleum Corporation and worked as an engineer for five years. He then married his lovely wife Gertrude (née D’Silva). They had three children - Diana (Mark), Daniel (Megan), and Denzil (Helen).

Denis worked for Caltex for nearly 40 years. His job took him all over the world. He lived and worked in India, the Middle East, U.K. Philippines, and U.S.; he also had extended assignments to Japan and Korea. Denis took his whole family along to most of these places which added a wonderful multicultural depth to their experiences. Denis and Gertrude finally settled in Carrollton, a suburb of Dallas, Texas.

Denis loved playing cricket. He was the captain of the company cricket team in India and excelled as a batsman and a bowler. He also enjoyed golf, swimming and playing Bridge. Music was very close to his heart as well. His tastes ran from classical to country to sacred.

After he retired, he taught computer skills at the Carrollton Senior Center. Denis was a Fourth Level Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He was an active member until he suffered a stroke in 2010. At that time he and Gertrude moved to Katy, Texas. From that point on, although he was no longer as active, he continued to enjoy family visits, watching the news, and discussing engineering and politics. Sadly, after a period of declining health, Denis passed away on October 27, 2020.

Denis was a much beloved husband, father, and grandfather and is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and his brother Gratian. His focus in life was on God and family and he believed in service with humility. Denis had a marvelous off-beat sense of humor, and delighted in telling Indian fables and stories to his children and grandchildren. His passing leaves a great void in the hearts of those who loved him.

Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.