Edward Souza

Edward "Eddy" Souza, 90, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, in Bradenton, Florida in the loving embrace of his family and friends. Born to Azorean immigrant parents, Joseph Mello Souza and Antonia Maria dos Anos Gomes on March 10, 1936, in East Providence, Rhode Island. Edward lived a life of adventure, service, and love for his family and community.

Eddy was much younger than his sisters and brothers and grew up alone with his parents. His siblings were married or serving in war-zones overseas. His father, Joseph, worked hard everyday but was a musician at night and a member of Theophilo Braga Band where he played the baritone horn and tuba. His beloved mother, Antonia, was always smiling, taking care of the home and cooking delicious Portuguese food.

Little Eddy would ice skate to school in the winter and run around the streets of East Providence barefoot in the summer with his best friend Ron Damas. The little boys would sneak onto baseball fields, get into street fights with bullies, and plague the milkman by sneaking bread out of the back of his truck as he made his deliveries.

Edward graduated from East Providence High School in the Class of 1955 and pursued higher education with an unwavering commitment to bettering himself. He was the first in his family to go to college. He earned an Associate of Science in Law Enforcement from Bristol Community College in 1972, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Salve Regina College in 1977, and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College in 1991. His academic achievements reflected his passion for justice and public service.

Edward proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Cold War. Stationed in Munich, Germany, from 1956 to 1959 as part of the Military Police Corps, he exemplified discipline and honor and broke up lots of fights between intoxicated American and German GIs. He also learned to ski in Germany and almost killed himself careening down his first slope.

In 1959, Ed met the love of his life at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church during the Holy Ghost Procession. He noticed a beautiful woman with shy, green eyes and mile-long legs sitting on the stone steps of the church. It was as if he had been struck by lightning—he couldn't take his eyes off of her. Later, he asked her to dance and the rest is family history. Ed and Mary Jane were married on June 24, 1961 in that very church. After the wedding, Edward swept Mary Jane off her feet and onto their first jet airplane to Miami Beach, Florida where they honeymooned at the Casablanca Hotel. They had two daughters, Lorraine and Arleen. Mary Jane passed away in 2022. They were married 62 beautiful years.

In 1967, Edward began his distinguished career with the Seekonk Police Department. Over three decades of dedicated service, he rose through every rank- Patrolman, Sergeant, Detective, Lieutenant, Captain- and ultimately became Chief of Police. His leadership left an indelible mark on the department and the community he served.

Even after retiring in 1998, Edward's commitment to public safety remained steadfast. In August 2000, during a challenging period for the Seekonk Police Department, he was asked by the Seekonk Board of Selectmen to leave retirement and return as Interim Chief of Police. A Special Act by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts allowed him to resume this role temporarily until February 2001—a testament to his integrity and expertise.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Edward was deeply devoted to his faith and community. As an active member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Bradenton, Florida, he found joy and purpose in worship and fellowship. As Mary Jane's ever faithful assistant, Eddy volunteered his time organizing numerous events and fundraisers like the Kentucky Derby, parish picnic, and golf tournaments. Eddy was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and achieved the esteemed title Worthy Sir Knight as a Knight of the 4th Degree. His dedication was recognized when he was named Knight of the Year for 2005-2006.

Edward cherished life's simple pleasures. He enjoyed deep sea fishing, playing pool with fellow Knights, golf, and trying his luck with weekly lottery tickets. He especially enjoyed traveling the world with his sweetheart, Mary Jane, culminating in a trip to the Czech Republic and Germany on their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Eddy was able to revisit the same German streets he patrolled as a corporal during the Cold War and enjoy a liter of the Hofbraü Original at the oldest beer hall in the world, Hofbraühaus.

Family was at the heart of Edward's world. He is survived by his loving daughters Lorraine Michele Souza and her husband Walter Scales and Arleen Jane Gallant and her husband Richard; dear family member Keith John Sweeney, Arleen’s first husband and his wife MJ; grandchildren Keith John Sweeney II and his wife Taylor; Edward Anthony Sweeney; Nicole Arleen (Sweeney) Muldoon and her husband Brian; Nathaniel Gene Scales; Erik Christopher Scales (grandson of the heart) and his wife Melissa; Margaret Ann (Scales) Perkins (granddaughter of the heart) and her husband Taylor; Colby Scott Gallant (grandson of the heart); great-grandchildren Carter Nixon Sweeney; Jordan Jeffery Muldoon; Camden James Muldoon; Kason Keith Muldoon; Saint Staddon Sweeney; nieces Sandra Motta, Carleen Faria, Kathy Torres, Patricia Currier, Georgette Souza, Karen Perry, Linda Menna and nephew, David Souza.

He was predeceased by all of his brothers and sisters: Mary (Souza) Healey, Amelia Souza Motta, Joseph Souza, Manuel Souza, Christine Souza Clement, Alfred Souza, and John Souza. Their memories remained close to Edward's heart throughout his life.

Edward's legacy is one of service—to his country, community, faith, and family. His wisdom and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him but most especially by his loving daughters who will miss his dry sense of humor, old police stories, and practical advice.

May his memory bring comfort to those who loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM at Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center at Lakewood Ranch 4310 Solutions Lane. Food and beverages will be provided. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church 12905 State Road 70E. A Funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Sarasota National Cemetery 9810 State Road 72. Eddy will be buried with military honors.

Loving and happy memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rtslwr.com for the Souza family.