Rudolph Oswald DeSouza

On May 27, 1918, Rudolph Oswald DeSouza was born in Trinidad, BWI, the first of three born to Gladys Calendar and Percival DeSouza. “Rudy” or “Red” as he was called by his soccer teammates was full of life, seizing on opportunities to better himself and continuously striving for perfection. He was a passionate athlete. In addition to soccer, he competitively indulged in racquetball, handball, and later bowling. However, of all sports, table tennis won out as his true love and as a young man Rudy became the Ping Pong champion of his country and was selected to represent Trinidad in national competitions.

Rudy left Trinidad at the age of 25 after completing college, attending design drafting school and serving in the Trinidad army. He came to the US, specifically Brooklyn, NY to join his Mom and two brothers Leo and Percy. Rudy’s artistic ability and precise design drafting skills led him to a career in electrical engineering and he had a very successful career first with TAAG Design, Chemical Construction Company and later with Electrical Bond and Share Company, AKA EBASCO.

Although quite the charmer, one 1949 Sunday at St. Georges Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, Rudy was taken aback when he was introduced to Joan Amanda Weng. Joan, equally smitten, was introduced to Rudy through a mutual friend, who described Rudy as a very attractive “international ping pong champion,” and this is how their love story began. In 1950 Joan and Rudy were married and three years later began their family with Michael Brandon, followed by Jill Allison and later, Paula Alexis.

The DeSouza household was filled with a lot of love and laughter, and most would concur, quite a few notable escapades. There truly was never a dull moment! Yet through all the laughter and tears, Rudolph was a dedicated, strong, protective, and determined father and husband and he put the safety and prosperity of his family first. He lead by example and sought out new interests to study and master, whether it be investing, stamp and coin collecting, or playing the guitar. He wasn’t a singer but he enjoyed music and the arts and he was passionate about life and his health.

After raising their family in NY, the empty nesters retired to Ocala, Florida in 1990. The couple was blessed with the opportunity to begin anew and rekindle relationships with very dear friends and relatives. Rudy was just getting started! He organized a ping pong club, lead the investment club, joined a bowling league and participated in pottery and painting. Rudy began hand painting ties which he proudly sported, and the designs were often the topic of conversation at social events. The couple were active members of the Church of the Advent where Rudy designed member name cards and church event marketing materials.

The couple relocated to Atlanta, GA in 2007. Rudolph was able to enjoy the company of his two daughters and grandchildren who lived nearby.

Rudolph has touched the lives of many with his smile, his passion, his wit and his candor. If you were ever seeking a frank, straightforward response, you’d get exactly that from Rudy. He was a proud, respectable man who was true to his convictions. If you knew Rudy, you would not forget him.

He will be missed every single day by his wife, Joan Amanda; his children, Michael, Jill and Paula; his son-in-law, Victor Allan, and his granddaughters: Jenna Nicole and Amanda Lian; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

So Dad, we will never forget the twinkle in your eye and …“It well may be, that we will never meet again in this lifetime, but let me say before we part so much of me is made, from what I learned from you, you’ll be with me like a hand print on my heart”**

** Ending quotation from musical Wicked