Tony Souza of Watsonville died on Saturday, April 7, 2018. He was 81.
He was born and raised in Watsonville where he graduated from St. Francis High School. As a young man, Mr. Souza was a truck driver for Louie Morosco in the mid-1950s, hauling produce to the North Bay. He served in the U.S. Army for two years between 1959 and 1962, spending time in Washington and Germany. He then worked for the Pajaro Valley School District for 31 years as a grounds keeper in the maintenance department before retiring in 1992. He started his own landscaping service as a side job including rototilling and mowing which he maintained for many years. In addition, he worked part time for the Salsipuedes Fire Department alongside his brother Manuel for nearly eight years in the mid-1970s. He spent a few years as the Salsipuedes Little League field grounds keeper in the 1980s. He also donated some of his time as a Little League baseball coach.
Mr. Souza is survived by his wife, Gwen of 55 years; his son, Rick; daughter-in-law, Charlena; two grandchildren; sister, Rosemarie Marshall, brother-in-law, Larry Marshall; two nieces and one nephew.
Funeral service will be held at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel in Watsonville on Saturday, April 21 at 11 a.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted in the care of The Carroll Family of Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, www.avemariamemorialchapel.com.
