Louis E. Souza, 90, of San Jose, CA son of the late Luiz Severo and Maria (Rodrigues) Souza, died on July 31, 2014 at the White Blossom Nursing Home Rehabilitation Center three weeks after injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He resided in San Jose, CA for over 45 years.
Louis was born and raised in New Bedford, MA and lived in the north-end of the city on Church Street until joining the U.S. Navy in 1943. He was a graduate of New Bedford High School and attended several business schools. Louis held positions as an accountant and salesman, before being employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier in California for many years, until his retirement.
Louis was formerly married to the late Theresa Verroneau of New Bedford, the mother of his three sons. Louis re-married to the love of his life Nancy (Hutchins) Souza and they lived happily together in California until her passing in 2000. Louis is survived by his sons Martyn of Watsonville, CA, James of Kent, WA and step-son Robin S. Hutchins of Santa Barbara, CA. Louis was predeceased by his first-born son Jeffrey of Fairhaven, MA. He is survived by four siblings, John S. Souza of Watertown CT, Thelma Labrecque of Acushnet, MA., Gilda Pietraszek of Camillus, NY and James Souza of New Bedford, MA. Louis was predeceased by his older brother Charles (Chic) W. Souza of New Bedford, MA. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, and by his trustworthy caretaker for the past two and a half years, Thomas Jenkins.
Louis was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching sporting events of all types on television. He especially liked horse racing and going to the track with his friends to place a few wagers and enjoy the races.
Louis proudly served more than three years in the United States Navy and was a WWII D-day Veteran serving as a Radioman on the USS LST-511 which participated in the D-day invasion of Normandy at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. His ship, the LST-511, was one of eight LSTs that participated in "Exercise Tiger", a practice for D-Day on April 28, 1944, during which German E-boats launched a surprise torpedo attack, sinking three of the eight LSTs. A total of 749 servicemen lost their lives during this major WWII tragedy. Louis's service to his country is memorialized at the Fort Taber Military Museum in New Bedford MA.
Per Louis's wishes, funeral arrangements made through the Willow Glen Funeral Home in San Jose, CA are private and he will be laid to rest at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery with full military honors.
Arrangements under the direction of Willow Glen Funeral Chapel, San Jose, CA.
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