John D'Souza

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be John D'Souza. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. John was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

John was born, at home, in Mangalore, Karnataka. He was the son of Thomas and Martha. John was raised in the city of Mangalore. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. John was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of John's personality throughout his life.

Though John was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. John was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, John worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. John was raised with two brothers and three sisters, Julian, Edwin, Stella, Irene and Maria. John and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, John was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, John was always tactful. One thing John will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, John had a number of interests and was an active child. John enjoyed playing games like marbles and cricket. He was an altar boy and involved in church activities. In his spare time he liked singing and playing cards. John's memorable achievements included winning a track race.

For John, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. John was also adept at details. He attended Milagres Boys High School and enjoyed some courses more than others. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Father Stany.

John was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, John was very accepting of others. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jerry, Ithy, Charlie and Augustine. Later in life, he became friends with Larry, Heric and Gilbert.

John was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call him sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. John cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On May 4, 1964, John married Bernadine Benedicta Lobo, at Angelore Church in Mangalore, Karnataka. Compassionate and devoted, John worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to John and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. John was blessed with five children, two sons, Melvin and Jerald and three daughters, Maria, Laurella and Laveena. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Melanie, Martha, Melwin, Matthew and Makayla. John was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, John was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: John would listen before he would act.

John was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that John handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was retail. He was employed for 12 years with Kmart and T.J. Maxx. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

Blessed with a practical nature, John was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. John served in the Indian Military. He was in the medical army from 1958 to 1968 and again in 1970 to 1972, stationed in Nafa, Hassan and Bangalore. John served in the China, Pakistan and India Wars and held the rank assistant to the captain. He received several awards including a Purple Heart.

A methodical man, John enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were singing, dancing and music.

John was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that he was active and highly valued by those in his community, serving on committees for church activities.

His high moral standards and traditional values served John well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of Our Lady of Ransom Church for 20 years. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

A generous and compassionate man, John accomplished much during his lifetime. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, John was recognized and given awards for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. One of his most prestigious awards was employee of the month.

Not only did John enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. His favorite vacations included Canada, Florida and India.

John was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. He had many pets; monkeys, pigs, chimps, dogs, cats, rabbits and a cow. He had these pets for 20 years.

Since it was easy for John to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, John was ready when that day to retire finally came on January 1, 1998. In retirement, he found new pleasure in watching news, movies and listening to music. Even in retirement, John stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

John passed away on August 16, 2010 at Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge IL. of a brain hemorrhage. He is survived by his wife Bernadine, children, Melvin, Jerald, Maria, Laurella, Laveena, grandchildren, Melanie, Martha, Melwin, Matthew, Makayla and his siblings, Stella, Edwin, Irine and Louiza. Services were held at Our Lady of Ransom Church. John was laid to rest in Maryhill Cemetery.

John was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. John was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss John D'Souza.