Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Dos Ribeiras, Pico, Açores, José was one of 12 siblings in a large, close-knit family. From an early age, he embraced the values of hard work, community, and tradition. He spent much of his life farming the rich volcanic soil of his homeland, where he developed a quiet resilience that would define his character.
José met Emilia, the love of his life, in Pico, and together they built a beautiful life. They raised their children on the island, teaching them the importance of family, laughter and culture.
José was an accomplished musician, playing the trumpet in the islands marching band, and he as well as his siblings were well known for dancing the chamarita and being the life of the party.
He made the courageous decision to start anew in America, bringing his family across the ocean with nothing but determination, hope, and love. From scratch, he rebuilt a life, embracing each challenge with humility and strength. His legacy is one of perseverance, dignity, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.
José had a fondness for simple pleasures. He loved old Western movies, and was very passionate about his love for wrestling. Its said that more fun was had watching him react to wrestling that watching the matches, as his very expressive and vocal objections were always extremely entertaining. Most of all, he loved time spent with his family. He radiated joy when surrounded by his loved ones, telling jokes and having a good time. He had a gift for making people laugh and his quick wit and infectious smile could light up any room.
As a proud cattleman, he found joy in raising cows and attending cattle auctions regardless of the fact he was technically retired. He also found joy in fishing, but depended completely on his lovely wife to clean and prepare his bountiful catch. His life was a testament to the power of laughter, love, tradition, and courage.
José is survived by his wife of 65 years, Emilia Adelaide Sousa of Oakdale, his children Joe C. Sousa (Kristie) of Oakdale, Hilda Hurst of Oakdale (Greg), and Mario F. Sousa of Oakdale (Amanda), his grandchildren Heather Hurst (Jeremiah), Steven Sousa (Jessica), Michael Sousa (Monica), Garrett Sousa, Gregory Sousa (Savanna), Max Hurst, Braden Sousa, and Wyatt Sousa, his 5 great grandchildren and his 3 siblings.
José was preceded in death by his father José Mateus Sousa and his mother Maria Georgina Sousa, his grandson Joseph Sousa, his daughter-in-law Kristie Sousa, and his 8 siblings.
Serving as pallbearers are Steven Sousa, Michael Sousa , Gregory Sousa, Garrett Sousa, Braden Sousa, Wyatt Sousa, Max Hurst and Hugo Sousa.
A visitation for José will be held Tuesday, August 5, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service (FD504), 286 W Main St, Turlock, California 95380.
A graveside service will occur Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326 with a reception directly following.
José Mateus Sousa Jr., de 90 anos, natural de Santa Bárbara, freguesia das Doze Ribeiras, ilha do Pico, Açores, e residente em Oakdale, Califórnia, faleceu no sábado, dia 26 de julho de 2025. Vivia em Oakdale há 52 anos.
O Sr. Sousa nasceu em Santa Bárbara, Doze Ribeiras, Pico, Açores, filho de Maria Georgina Sousa e de José Mateus Sousa.
Deixa de luto a sua esposa, Emília Adelaide Sousa, casados há 65 anos de Oakdale; os seus filhos Joe C. Sousa (Kristie), Hilda Hurst (Greg) e Mário F. Sousa (Amanda), todos de Oakdale; os seus netos Heather Hurst (Jeremiah), Steven Sousa (Jessica), Michael Sousa (Monica), Garrett Sousa, Gregory Sousa (Savanna), Max Hurst, Braden Sousa e Wyatt Sousa; cinco bisnetos; e três irmãos.
Foi precedido na morte pela sua nora Kristie Sousa, pelos seus pais José Mateus Sousa e Maria Georgina Sousa, pelo seu neto Joseph Sousa e por oito irmãos.
O Sr. Sousa era membro da Igreja Católica de St. Mary’s, em Oakdale, Califórnia.
Visita ao seu corpo na terça-feira, 5 de agosto de 2025, das 4h00 às 6h na Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service, 286 W Main St, Turlock, Califórnia 95380.
O Serviço fúnebre no cemitério na quarta-feira, 6 de agosto de 2025, às 10 horas da manhã, no cemitério Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326.
Servirão como portadores do caixão: Steven Sousa, Michael Sousa, Gregory Sousa, Garrett Sousa, Braden Sousa, Wyatt Sousa, Max Hurst e Hugo Sousa.
Que a sua alma descanse em paz.
