Manuel V. Sousa, 74, of Swansea, husband of the late Maria I. (Carreiro) Sousa, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Country Gardens Nursing Home with his daughter and granddaughter by his side. Born in Fenais da Luz, St. Michael, Azores, a son of the late Joseph de Almeida Sousa and the late Irene (Viveiros) Sousa, he emigrated to Fall River in 1959.

After being employed for a time at various textile and garment companies such as the former Duro Finishing, Manuel then worked as union laborer for many years in the local construction industry. He last worked as a truck driver with Fall River News Co. before retiring.

An avid pigeon flyer ("Manny's Loft"), Manny also enjoyed fishing.

He is survived by: three children, Melissa Napier Savaria (husband William) of Swansea, Kimberly Sousa of Dighton, and Paul Sousa (wife Tanya) of Pawtucket, RI; two siblings, Chester Sousa of New Bedford and Albert Sousa of Fall River; six grandchildren, Alexis Napier (fiancé Alex Rovoredo), Devin Cordeiro (fiancée Mychaela Reynolds), Aiden Napier, Paul Sousa, Nicole Sousa, and Scott Sousa; four great grandchildren, Aaliyah, Amir, Logan, and Elijah; several nieces, nephews, and cousins including his favorite cousin, Venilde Carreiro, who was like a sister to him. Manuel's siblings, Joseph V. Sousa and Maria Isabel Sousa, predeceased him.

The family thanks the nursing staff of Nightingale Home Health for the exceptional care given to Manny over the years, as well as the staff at Country Gardens for their care through his final months.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, January 3rd, at St. Anthony of Padua Church followed by his committal at St. Patrick Cemetery both in Fall River. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Manuel's memory to Community Autism Resources, 40A Dean Street, Taunton, MA 02780; 508-379-0371; Donate – Community Autism Resources http://community-autism-resources.com/donate/.

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!