We gather today to celebrate the life of a remarkably talented man, Richard Souza, whose journey commenced on December 24, 1933, in Fall River, MA, and concluded on October 6, 2024. Richard was a radiant beacon of humor and adventurous spirit, who lived his life to the fullest. As we remember Richard, we reflect on the words of Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." This quote encapsulates Richard's attitude towards life, always seeing the beauty in each moment and making the most of it.

Richard's journey was filled with accomplishments and adventures. He was a highly skilled steam engineer and Director of Engineering, and his work took him to various prominent hotel service companies across the Bahamas, New York, Michigan, and Atlanta. After a fulfilling career, he retired from Righal Royal Hotel, New York, New York. Retirement didn't slow Richard down, and his adventurous spirit led him to serve as an armed guard for the Armored Banking Trucks of Loomis Fargo and Brinks. Richard was not all work; he was an avid storyteller, making everyone laugh with his quick wit, and he loved spending time on the water, boating, he also proudly operated his own Boating School in Cape Coral, Florida, and riding motorcycles. His courage was evident, not only in his professional life, but also when he served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict as a Gunner's Mate. Richard was an embodiment of the words by Winston Churchill, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

Richard was blessed with a heartfelt and enduring love story, having spent 67 cherished years with his devoted wife, Mary Souza. Together, they created countless memories full of laughter, love, and shared joy. Richard was also a loving father to his son, Ricky Souza, of Cape Coral, Florida, who brought great joy and pride to his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Souza and his brother Louis Souza.

Richard's legacy of courage, talent, wit, and adventure will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His life will be honored with a public visitation on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 3:00pm at the Southcoast Funeral Home, Fall River, Massachusetts. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 10:00 am at Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Fall River, Massachusetts. A committal service with military honors will follow at 11:00 am at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Fall River, Massachusetts.

We encourage all who knew Richard to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page, celebrating the life of this truly remarkable man. In his memory, let us remember to live our lives with courage, wit, and an adventurous spirit, just as Richard did.

Services are Humbly entrusted into the care of Southcoast & Boyko Funeral Homes "Celebrating A Life Well Lived"