John Joseph Souza

5/21/29-9/21/12

John Joseph Souza was born May 21, 1929 in Sonora, CA and passed away peacefully in the comfort of his loving wife and sister on September 21, 2012 at the age of 83.

John’s family moved to Snelling when he was 3 and settled in Franklin District when he was 10. In 1947 he graduated from Merced High School and in 1951 he enlisted into the Army, where he served in the Signal Corp with the 7th Armored Division during the Korean War. He served on active duty until 1952 and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserves in 1956. In 1952 he returned to Merced and briefly worked for AT&T and then as a mechanic before founding C&S Motors in 1957 with a partner. John co-owned and operated, C&S one of Merced’s top automotive repair and towing services, for 38 years before retiring in 1994.

He was a member of the Elks Lodge and the American Legion, as well as St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. John was an excellent mechanic and talented wood worker and known as someone who could fix pretty much anything.

John was a devoted and loving husband and father. He was loved by his friends and neighbors for his happy demeanor and willingness to help. Blessed with a great sense of humor, John loved a good joke and was always quick with a laugh and a joke of his own. He will forever be in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and John E. Souza; daughter, Carol Ann Souza; and sisters, Alvina Corvello and Marie Koehn.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Maryann Souza; daughters, Sandra Lynn (John Sowers) Souza and Mary Souza (Jeff) Erramouspe; sister, Anne Ast; and grandson, Michael Sowers.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the kindness and thoughtfulness of everyone who helped with John’s care. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made in John’s name to either: Bristol Foundation (Hospice Care), 1170 West Olive Ave, Suite B, Merced, CA 95348; Mercy Medical Center Foundation, 2740 M Street, Merced, CA 95340; or to the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 10:00am at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 ‘B’ Street, Merced, CA 95340 followed with a reception in the hall.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.