Edward Souza Jr., 86, of South Yarmouth passed away suddenly on September 25, 2020. He was preceded by his parents Edward Souza Sr. and Phoebe Moulton Souza, and sister Katherine Smith.

Eddie was a true Cape Cod native having been born and raised in Barnstable Village. He attended Barnstable High School and worked part time for The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company commonly known as the A&P Store. After graduating in 1953 he enlisted in the United States Army attending boot camp at Fort Jackson, SC. Upon completion, he was made Corporal and was selected to attend leadership school at Fort Benning, GA. He spent his time in the service there training new recruits and running tactical programs for West Point Cadets. It was during his military service that he met his future wife, Theresa B. Bernard of Lewiston, Maine when he responded to a letter she sent and they became pen pals. They met while he was on leave a few times and shortly after his honorable discharge they decided to get married. They moved to Cape Cod to start a new life together.

Eddie went back to work for A&P full time and became the Produce Manager. During his years with the company he worked in many store locations. Eddie was recognized for his unique displays and won many prizes and awards. He also served as Union Shop Steward for several years. After 52 years he retired from his career with the A&P Store. He did not stay retired for long; he went back to work for 11 years in the Produce Department at Chatham Village Market before deciding to make his retirement final.

Eddie was a life member and past treasurer of the Cape Cod Fish and Game Association. He was an avid sportsman enjoying hunting, fishing and shell fishing with family and friends. Eddie was a fan of all the New England teams and he loved attending sporting events and watching them on television. He especially loved staying up to watch Saturday Night Boxing with his grandson Jason and Sunday football with family and friends. He enjoyed big family get togethers and playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Edward Souza, Jr. was survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Theresa (Bernard) Souza; his children Cathie L. Souza, Kenneth E Souza, Jane (Souza) Schofield and her husband Todd Schofield; 5 grandchildren Jason E. Barros, Monica J. (Barros) Stout and her husband John Stout, (the late) Lawrence E. Barros, Jr and his wife Monica (Cary) Barros, Austin E. Schofield and Harrison W. Schofield; 5 great grandchildren Hannah P Stout, Jordyn A. Stout, Hayden J. Stout, Isaac C. Barros and Elliott L. Barros; 5 nieces Karen Russell, Barbara Dwyer, Patricia Smith, Marion Smith and Valerie Smith; 3 cousins Louie Souza, Doris Lietuvietis, Arlene Williams. Several brother and sister in laws, many nieces and nephews from Maine. He also leaves behind many friends, one special friend Lisa Wiley 'his clamming daughter' and many coworkers.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Burial will be private.

EDDIE YOU WILL BE MISSED BY MANY, INCLUDING ME MY FRIEND. YOU WERE A GREAT FRIEND. SHARING THESE THOUGHTS. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY. When someone you love dies, and you're not expecting it, you don't lose him all at once; you lose him in pieces over a long time - the way the mail stops coming, and his scent fades from the pillows and even from the clothes in his closet and drawers. Gradually, you accumulate the parts of him that are gone. Just when the day comes - when there's a particular missing part that overwhelms you with the feeling that he's gone, forever - there comes another day, and another specifically missing part." To see the clothes in his closet, the handwriting that is so familiar on scraps of paper around the house, and the small unfinished tasks left behind can be so bittersweet. You want to see the familiar, the mundane, to feel like life has not changed. The sadness comes from knowing that there are no new stories or everyday items to keep your connection alive. As time passes, you will find strength in these items. Treasure the sights, the smells, the small pieces of your loved ones. Make a memory box to keep them for the times you need to feel your connection in a tangible way. As time passes, you won't need to look as often, but there is comfort in knowing they are there if you do.

May the loving arms of the angels wrap around all who love him and help comfort you during your times of sorrow. He will be truly missed by all- a wonderful happy man the world is a bit dimmer with gone.

ILOVED MY COUSIN DEARLY. HE WAS A BROTHER TO ME. WE GO WAY BACK AND SPENT MANY YEARS TOGETHER WHEN WE WERE YOUNG.YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEM DEAR COUSIN.

You were a wonderful man (Dad) Miss all our times together. Toughts and prayers are with the whole family. May you be in peace, hugging tightly for you all

My Deepest Condolences May Uncle Eddie Rest in Peace.All My Love, Kimmie

What a wonderful long life he lived and married 65 years . My heart goes out to you all for your loss and know you have another guardian angel on your shoulder.