Joseph L. Souza, 87, of Fall River, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Sarah S. Brayton Nursing Center. Born in Fall River, he was a son of the late John DeSouza and the late Maria (Correira) DeSouza. A  U. S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, Joseph served his country honorably as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

Prior to his retirement in 2000, he was employed as a Master Pipefitter & Plumber and heating service technician for many years. He also taught his craft at New England Tech.

From his time as a young Boy Scout, Joseph developed a lifelong appreciation of nature and wildlife, which led him to become an avid outdoorsman and lover of animals – enjoying activities that ran from camping & hiking to swordfishing. He was also a rabid Red Sox fan.

He is survived by: one son, Christopher J. Souza (wife Andrea) of Tiverton; five siblings, Francisco Souza of Florida, Eliza Jannis of Dartmouth, Beatrice Costa of Fall River, Rose Mazzarella of New Bedford, and Mary Leahey of Florida; two grandchildren, Caitlin Dumont (husband Daniel) and Jacob Souza; a great granddaughter, Vivienne; and several nieces & nephews. Joseph was also a brother of the late Anna Martin, Gloria Benevides, John Souza, Louis Souza, and Dolores Rego.

Following a private cremation, His Memorial Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, April 19th, in St. Anthony of Padua Church followed by the rendering of Military Honors. His cremains were later buried privately at St. Patrick Cemetery in Fall River. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joseph's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; 800-805-5856; https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html .

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of health concerns or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website (www.silvafaria.com) and not through a third party. Thank you!