Joao V. Sousa

Joao V. Sousa, “Johnny,” age 80, of Fall River, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at St. Anne’s Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Helena M. (Ferraz) Sousa, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

Born in Água de Pau, São Miguel, Açores, Portugal, Johnny was the son of the late Urbano and Maria (Veloza) Sousa. After proudly serving in the Portuguese Army, he immigrated to the United States in 1970, where he built a life rooted in hard work, faith, and family.

Johnny worked for many years as a fiberglass technician at TPI Composites before his retirement. A devoted communicant of Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Fall River, he was also an active member of the Santo Nome Society and participated faithfully in the Charismatic Oração Group, where his faith, music, and joyful spirit touched many hearts. He was a man of strong faith who never lost his sense of humor or his generous spirit. He was a true lover of life—an avid soccer fan (especially of Benfica), a gardener, a fisherman, a winemaker, and a fierce competitor in cards and dominoes.

Above all, Johnny will be remembered for his humor, warmth, and ability to bring joy wherever he went. He had a gift for making people laugh, even in life’s hardest moments. He faced decades of challenges with cancer and Parkinson’s disease with incredible courage, strength, and grace, always with a smile, always thinking of others first.

Johnny was the heart of his family, a loving and devoted husband, father, and “Vavô.” His children and grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy, and his love for them was boundless. His absence will be deeply felt, but his laughter, kindness, and strength will continue to live on in the stories, memories, and hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Helena; his daughter, Jessica Mello; his three sons, Jeffrey Sousa, Kevin Sousa and his wife Michelle, and Evan Sousa and his fiancée Jennifer Gallant, all of Fall River; and seven cherished grandchildren, Madison, Zachary, Hannah, Aiden, Quinn, Beckham, and Mason Sousa. He was the brother of the late Carlos and Envelena Sousa.

His Funeral will be held Monday, November 10, 2025, at 9:00 AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Bedford Street, Fall River. Visiting hours will be held Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Johnny’s memory may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association Rhode Island Chapter, P.O. Box 114098, North Providence, RI 02911. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River.