Alfred W. Souza

ATHOL - Alfred W. Souza, 88 of 439 Fredette St., Athol, died Sunday, October 14, 2007 in the Quabbin Valley Healthcare, Athol. He was born in Danvers, on December 3, 1918, the son of the late John and the late Jennie (Madruga) Souza. He moved to Gardner and graduated from Gardner High School. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, he was honorably discharged as a Corporal on November, 28, 1945. Mr. Souza was employed for over 30 years at the former Eastern Furniture in Athol. He was Past Commander of the Edward H. Phillips Athol American Legion Post No. 102 and Past Worcester County Commander of the American Legion. He and his wife were the first couple to be Commander and President of the Auxiliary of the American Legion at the same time. He was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church. He was a member of the Athol VFW and the AMVETS. He was a long time member of the American Legion Honor Guard providing military honors for his fellow veterans for many years. He leaves one son, John A. Souza of Brattleboro, VT; his companion, Mary Brick of Athol; three grandchildren, Kevin P. Dooley, Keith R. Dooley, Karen Tharaldson and two great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Frances M. (Clement) Souza who died in 2001; by his daughter Phyllis Dooley who died in 2006, by two brothers, Frank Souza and Edward Souza and by one sister, Flora Viera. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 19, 2007, at 10 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 101 Main St., Athol. Burial in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon will be at a later date. Calling hours will be held Thursday, October 18, 2007, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the J. Edward Murphy Funeral Home 137 Main St., Athol. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Athol American Legion Scholarship c/o Beverly Tarolli PO Box 338, Athol, MA 01331. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.murphysfuneralhome.com. J. Edward Murphy Funeral Home 137 Main St., Athol is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });