John Anthony de Souza was born in Hollister, January 16, 1948. John passed from this life into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, October 16, 2009 at 2:02 A.M. with all his family at his bedside. John knew his destination was heaven and even though he fought so hard to live, he was ready to walk through the gates of heaven.
John was born and raised in Hollister. He lived most of his life in Hollister and San Juan Bautista. A few years ago, John moved to Coarsegold, CA and made this his home with his wife Dolores. He loved the mountains and watching the deer that would run through his yard. John is survived by his loving wife Dolores de Souza, daughters Gina (Evan) Rumbel of Folsom, CA, Stacie (Jeff) McClure of Madera, CA, and Chelsey de Souza of Watsonville, CA, brother Mark (Brenda) August and sister Nancy (Jim) De La Pena of Hollister, step-daughters Monica Clark and Tara Lombardo, step-brothers Anthony and Tim August, step-sons Richard and Martin Cortez, grandchildren Tyler, Sydney and Ava Rumbel, Maddie McClure, Tawni Azevedo, Ariana Clark, and Izzak Reyes, three nephews Jimmy, Jason, and Justin De La Pena and three nieces Julie Longshore, Tina Pearson, and Vickie Hoffman. Aunt Mary Silva (Modesto,CA), uncle and godfather Manuel Vierra, aunt Dolores Vierra (Hollister, CA), great-aunt Esperanza Mendonsa of Santa Clara, brothers-in-law Vincent Escamilla and John Pickering; sister-in-law Mary de Souza Hoffman.
John was preceded in death by his father John M. de Souza, mother Madeline de Souza August, sister Linda de Souza Pickering, and brother Eugene de Souza, grandparents Manuel and Isabel Mendoza, grandparents John and Maria Albertina de Souza and step-father Anthony August.
John grew up on a loving family farm in Hollister. Since his dad died at such a young age and his brother Eugene was serving in the Vietnam War, John took over the leadership role in the family. He played football with the Hollister Hay Balers. He worked many years as a welder and was highly recognized for his accomplishments. John was a loving husband and cherished his time with his girls and grandchildren. It was obvious by the sparkle in his eyes when they were together. John was a total family man. He was a faithful 49-er fan. He liked to cook and enjoyed watching the cooking shows. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. The large boar mount in his home was a prized possession. John will be missed so much by all those who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 23rd, 2009, from 2:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Grunnagle Funeral Home Chapel. Friends are invited to attend the funeral service Saturday morning at 10:00 A.M. at the mortuary followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery. Donations may be sent to Grunnagle Ament Nelson Funeral Home 870 San Benito St., Hollister to assist the family with the final expenses.
Visit: www.grunnagle.com for condolences
