Fernando Avila Sousa

Fernando Avila Sousa lived life on his own terms. Hot Wheels, Dolphins games, funny faces, jokes, and all. He passed away on August 2, 2025, in Tulare, California, surrounded by the people who loved him most. He was 65 years old.

Born on July 21, 1960, in Terceira, Açores, Portugal, to Maria Lourdes and Vital Sousa, Fernando’s life took an early turn when he contracted polio at age two. It left his left leg paralyzed, but it never slowed him down. At 11, he and his family came to the United States, and from there, he built a life filled with love, family, and plenty of good-natured complaining.

Fernando was twice married, first to Gayle Sousa (Bullard), who passed in 2013, and later to Renee Sousa (Martin), who passed in 2023. Together with Gayle, he raised five children: Michael, Fernando Jr., Jacqulyn, Thomas, and Devan. His kids, their spouses, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy, even if his way of showing it was with a sarcastic remark or a teasing grin.

If you knew Fernando, you knew his hobbies: a serious Hot Wheels collection, a dedication to the Miami Dolphins, and a knack for turning even an ordinary conversation into a joke. His favorite phrase “Must Be Nice!”, was said with a smirk, but behind it was a deep love for family and a desire to see them thrive.

One week before his passing, Fernando celebrated his 65th birthday exactly how he wanted, with all his children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren together at the coast. In Morro Bay’s Cloister Park, a place he loved, the entire family gathered, for a day filled with love, laughter, and good times. It was a perfect day, and a treasured memory for everyone who was there. What a difference a week can make.

He leaves behind his children and their families, his sisters Teresa and Christine, and the countless stories and laughs he shared along the way.

Fernando lived with humor, resilience, and love — and that’s how he’ll be remembered.