Joe Sousa, of Dos Palos, was born October 20, 1952, in Sao Jorge – Azores Islands and was called home on Good Friday, April 7, 2023, surrounded by his family. Joe settled in Dos Palos after his family immigrated to the United States in 1967 and became a United States citizen in 1977. He worked for the O’Banion Ranches for 13 years, started a partnership with his brother Manuel they both named as the Sousa Dairy in Idaho, worked for Lopes Trucking and Valley Carrier (Phillip & Jacque Rasey) for a combined 17 years, and retiring in 2013 after working for Toscano RV Center for 13 years. Joe met the love of his life, Inez, and became engaged in 1971. They were married in 1973 and just recently celebrated their achievement of 50 years of marriage before he was called home. They were blessed with their daughter, Julie, in 1974 and then blessed with their son, Jeffrey, in 1982 while in Idaho. Joe was a traditional family man and his life was heavily centered around family. He was proud of his Portuguese heritage, loved playing with tractors, loved building and fixing things, and adored all his grandchildren (his pride and joy). His love for his family was unwavering and his endearing smile, witty humor, and his presence will be painfully missed. Joe leaves behind his loving wife, Inez, a daughter Julie S. Giampaoli and son-in-law Gary Giampaoli, a son Jeffrey Sousa and daughter-in-law LeAne Santos-Sousa. He also leaves behind his most precious gifts of grandchildren, Jaryn Giampaoli, Max Medeiros, Ford Sousa, Brody Sousa, and Mary Joe Sousa. He leaves behind his brothers Fred Sousa (Manuela), Armando Sousa (Melissa). His sisters Mary Lou Santos, Mary Elliott (Ken), Trinda Azevedo (John), Cidalia Santos (John), and Carmen Leonardo (Joey). His Sisters-in-law Carmen Sousa, Idalina Sousa, Terry Allen (Mike), Mary Sequeira, and Maria Bettencourt. In addition to four Godchildren – David Sousa, Michelle Sousa-Boice, Amanda Rivas, and Alyssa Sousa and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe is preceded in death by his parents Jose L. Sousa and Maria Das Neves Azevedo Sousa, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Manuel Bettancourt Serafim and Rosa Serafim, brothers Manuel Sousa and John Sousa, Sister Lucy Sousa, brothers-in-law Jorge Santos and Johnny Bettancourt Serafim, and niece Melissa Medeiros. Services will be Friday, April 21, 2023, beginning with a rosary at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Catholic mass at the Sacred Heart Church located at 1650 Lucerne Avenue, Dos Palos. Joe will be laid to rest at the Dos Palos District Cemetery following immediately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
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