Joseph P. "Gaspar" Sousa

Joseph P. “Gaspar” Sousa, 87, of Florida, passed away on February 11, 2025, at Springtree Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Sunrise, Florida. He was the beloved husband of Anna M. (Marshall) Sousa, married for 67 years.

Born in Furnas, St. Michael, Azores, Joseph was the son of Antonio M. and Maria Dos Anjos (Paiva) Sousa. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Ann Marie (David) Goldwater of New Zealand, Laura (the late Gary S.) Hood of Smithfield, Joseph (Jane) Sousa of Warren, and Anthony (Kristin) Sousa of Bristol; grandchildren: Robert W. North (Amber), Scott J. North, Kimberly M. North (Ernest), Matthew J. Sousa, and Katelyn R. Sousa; great-grandchild: Deion Hazzard; and brother Anthony (Florence) Sousa of Florida. Joseph was predeceased by his sister Marie C. Sousa.

Joseph was educated in Portugal. He was first employed at US Rubber Company (Converse). He was then employed by Rhode Island Carpenters Union, Local 94 for 32 years working primarily for Gilbane Construction Company and H. Carr & Sons. Always active in his community, Joe was one of the founders of the Bristol Sports Club where he was Man of the Year in 1993 and a past president. He was a proud communicant of St. Elizabeth Church where he formed many long-lasting friendships and was part of several committees including the Holy Ghost Committee and Santo Cristo Committee. One of his many talents was his exceptional cooking skills which he put to good use at countless church fundraisers.

Joe was a dedicated and hard-working individual who took great pride in his carpentry skills. His passion for carpentry and craftmanship was handed down by his father. His skills were put to good use when he built his home for his family as well as several other homes for his family and friends. When he was not building homes, he would take great pride and enjoyment building hand crafted items for others.

Upon retiring, Joe made residency in Florida, or as he liked to call it, “God’s country.” Even in retirement, he continued his love of carpentry. He was a member of the Woodworking Club Executive Board in his condominium complex and willingly gave his time and talent to designing and building various items to improve the complex.

He enjoyed traveling, cooking for his friends and family, watching soccer, exercising, woodworking, and trying his luck at jai alai and the casino. But most of all, he will be remembered for the love and devotion he had for his family.

Visitation will be at the George C. Lima Funeral Home in Bristol, RI, on Saturday, March 8, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM followed by a Mass of Chrisian Burial at St. Elizabeth Church, 577 Wood Street, Bristol, RI, at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bristol, RI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Elizabeth Church, 577 Wood Street, Bristol, RI 02809.

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