Alfred "Al" Souza

March 3, 1927 - August 15, 2023

Sacramento, CA

Alfred (Al) Souza, the patriarch of the family, was a loving husband, father, Papa, Great Papa, uncle and friend. He passed away on August 15, 2023, at the age of 96 after a brief illness, surrounded by his devoted family. A lifelong resident of Sacramento, Al was born to Joseph and Helen Souza, who immigrated to the United States from Madeira, Portugal. Al is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Dolores, his daughters, Janet O'Connor (David), Michele Mefford (Coy), Debra Sanfilippo (Greg), son Paul Souza (Florbela) and niece Diane Carini. He was preceded in death by his son Michael Souza, his parents, brother Joe, and 3 sisters, Mary Baretta, Evelyn, and Diane and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Al had 7 grandchildren, Matthew Strand (Jessica), Brian Strand (Melissa), James Strand (Sarah), Michael Souza (Elizabeth), Kaila Sanfilippo (Quin), Christopher Souza, and Joao Souza, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Al was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S.Merchant Marine Service and then again during the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Air Force. He retired from the Sacramento County in 1988. Al was a family man, and his other life-long passion was weight lifting for bodybuilding. He was 23 when he started working out at the YMCA. He also trained at Pearl’s Gym where he met his good friend and lifelong workout partner, Hank Harper. His roommate and eventual brother-in-law, Don Farnsworth, also worked out and competed against Al for many years. Al and his buddies built a home gym in the backyard after Dolores kicked them out of the one-car garage gym/laundry room. It’s a home gym with many pieces of equipment that Al built himself. He competed and won many bodybuilding competitions over his lifetime, from his first contest in 1954 when he won the title Mr. New Mexico and in 1955, Mr. Sacramento, to winning the titles of Mr. Northern California, Mr. Golden Bear over 40 and Mr. Golden Bear over 50. Al was also invited to do exhibition posing into his 60’s. His body was his temple and he fed it well and had an exercise routine that was rarely missed. He was still in the gym working out two weeks before he passed.

His other passion was music! He loved jazz and jitterbugging in his heyday. From the big band sounds, to a good trio, or a great crooner, he enjoyed the beats. He fancied going to jazz clubs when he was young in Los Angeles and San Francisco where he saw some of the greats. Later he would enjoy many concerts with family and friends.

Al loved and inspired his family, was very social in the community, and was a friend and mentor to many. He belonged to several clubs over the years including the Sacramento Water Ski Club, the Elks Lodge, the Spree Club, Presentation Parish Feed the Hungry, and the St. Joseph’s Social Club, Clarksburg. He had a gift for telling stories, even if he couldn’t always remember the name of the place or person. Often you would hear him yell for his wife, Dolores, in the middle of a story to help him fill in the blanks. He leaves us with many cherished memories. He has gone to be with the Lord and all of the many family and friends that have gone before him. He will be greatly missed!!

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass at Presentation Parish, 4123 Robertson Ave, Sacramento at 11:00, Friday, September 1st. Viewing will be at the church beginning at 10:30.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Feed the Hungry, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or a charity of your choice.