Joseph Xavier de Souza Sr.

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Joseph X. de Souza, Sr., age 87—a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a humble and faithful servant of God—who passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

To know him was to love him. He never met a stranger—only a friend he hadn’t yet known.

Joe was born in 1938 in the beautiful Azores islands of Portugal, a heritage he carried with immense pride throughout his life. He moved to Brazil at age 12, where he met and fell in love with Joanne, the girl who would become his wife. These childhood sweethearts married in 1961 and soon began a journey filled with faith, perseverance, and nearly 64 years of devoted love.

With only $100 in their pocket, Joe and Joanne immigrated to the United States in search of a better future and soon began building a family. A former machinist at the Ford Motor Company plant in Brazil, Joe poured himself into his work in America, refining his skills through long hours and tireless dedication. He eventually founded a successful machine shop that served the medical and aerospace industries. True to his generous spirit, he considered it a blessing to create job opportunities for others—and proudly shared one extraordinary accomplishment, his ‘claim to fame’: a part he crafted for the Apollo Lunar Module that remains on the moon to this day!

Despite his professional achievements, Joe always considered his faith and family to be his greatest blessings. He loved God above all else, and his life was a testament to living with purpose, humility, and unwavering belief. He inspired all who knew him through his quiet strength and unshakable trust that God had a plan—no matter what was going on around him. He faced serious health challenges more than once, earning the affectionate nickname "Lazarus" from his doctors.

His humility, kindness, and generosity shaped the rhythm of his life—but his sense of humor made him unforgettable. Always ready with a classic, delightfully corny dad joke, Joe never missed a chance to lighten the mood. His warmth, gentle teasing, and mischievous chuckle brought comfort and joy, winning over strangers instantly and deepening bonds with those who knew him best. His repertoire of classic comebacks will be forever etched in our minds—some for better, some for worse!

Joe had a passion for photography and a gift for capturing life’s beauty—whether in nature or in everyday moments with loved ones. He was rarely seen without a 35mm camera, camcorder, or—later—a digital camera in hand, always ready to preserve the moment. Family and friends were often the focus of his lens, and his extensive photo and video collection could rival a documentary filmmaker’s archive. In true “Papa style,” he’d flash a sly grin and reassure us, “Don’t worry, there’s no film in it!”

He held a deep awe for God’s creation, often pausing to admire a flower, a sunset, or the stillness of a garden. In those quiet moments, he saw God’s fingerprints and found peace. One favorite pastime was giving houseguests the “infamous” tour of his garden and fruit trees—always pristine, just like his photos.

He had a way of making anyone feel like an old friend—sharing encouragement, joking with a cashier, or offering something fresh from his garden. Joe didn’t just open his home; he welcomed people into his heart.

More than anything, he cherished his family. Whether near or far, they were always close to his heart. He took great joy in watching his grandchildren grow into adults he deeply admired and treasured every connection with his great-grandchildren. His greatest hope was for each of them to walk with Jesus and carry on a life of faith—the kind he modeled so well.

Joe could always find evidence of God's goodness in the ordinary—from a garden in bloom to a shared laugh at the dinner table. He had a way of turning small, simple moments into sacred ones, reminding us that gratitude and wonder are always within reach.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnne; his two sons, Joe Jr. (and his wife, Barbara) and Dennis; his four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. His legacy of love, humor, integrity, and faith will live on in each of them—and in every person blessed enough to have known him.

A viewing will be held on Monday, June 2, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach, FL 32136. A funeral service will take place at the same location on Tuesday, June 3, at 11:00 a.m.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered—for his faith, his laughter, and the quiet way he reminded us of what truly matters.

In lieu of funeral flowers, the family kindly suggests sending flowers to someone special today as a gesture of love and appreciation.

Be blessed by blessing others, as Joe so freely did.