Peter Sousa

Peter Francis Sousa, long time Ventura Master Builder passed away peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning, March 10, 2013, from a broken heart. Peter was born April 23, 1934 in Santa Maria, California. Peter grew up with his six brothers and one sister on a ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley farming mustard and beans.

Peter was married in 1953 to the love of his life, the late, Vicki Ramona Sousa. They had four daughters while living in Lompoc. In 1966, Peter and Vicki moved the family to Ventura where they grounded their roots with their daughters. Peter was loved and respected by a city of friends and family, enjoying close relationships that went back to his earliest childhood. Of all Peter’s amazing accomplishments, it was very clear his role as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle is what he relished most. Peter had many hobbies in addition to his love for animals. He enjoyed grafting his trees and gardening, any wood work and Vaquero Rides on his two horses “Dallas and Rosie,” as well as his co-pilot, “Panda”, who always rode shotgun.

In addition to his wife, Vicki, he was predeceased by his parents, Joseph A. and Leonilda N. Sousa; brothers, Alfred Dominques, Joseph Sousa, Richard Sousa, Francis Sousa and Raymond Sousa; sister, Marguerete Locarini; granddaughter, Kendra Dunn ; and nephew, Ronnie Carmichael.

Peter is survived by his four daughters and sons-in-law, Kathleen and Mark Essary, Denise Cantor, Brenda and Troy Botelho and Wendy and Joseph Dunn, all of Ventura; grandchildren, Jason, Justin, Julie and Joseph Essary, Devin and Dana Cantor, Christopher and Katie Botelho, Dr. Joie Dunn and Peter Dunn; great grandchildren, Josie and Jamus Cable, Jerit Henry and Bailey and Deagan Mounsey. He is also survived by his sister, Gloria Carmichael; brothers and sisters-in-law, Victor and Helen Sousa, Celestine and Susie Sousa and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, March 20th, 6:00 P.M. with Rosary being recited at 7:00 P.M. at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.

Funeral Mass will take place Thursday, March 21st, 9:30 A.M. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church 3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura with the Reverend Steve Davoren officiating. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.