Eduardo M. Souto, 87, of Middletown, passed away in Newport Hospital on May 21, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Maria A. (Garcia) Souto for 62 years.
Eduardo was born in Ribeira Funda, Faial, Azores, Portugal, to the late Sergio M. and Adelina (Garcia) doSouto.
Eduardo built his life with his own two hands. He began his career in the Azores, after learning his trade as a mechanic while serving in the Portuguese military at Lages, Terceira. After completing his military service, he worked for Pan American Airlines in Santa Maria, Azores as an airline mechanic. Shortly after, due to the volcanic eruption in the Azores, he immigrated to the US in 1959. When he arrived, he immediately started working for George Ray Auto as an automobile mechanic, and then Firestone Tire. He then began his 28-year career working as a heavy duty mechanic at the Naval Base in Newport, RI. In addition to being a mechanic, he was a jack of all trades and could fix anything. He was a hard-worker, and started his own family farm, and with his brothers, bought the farm and built what became a family compound. Family meant everything to him.
After retiring, he devoted his time to his farm, which included a beautiful vegetable garden, farm animals, grape arbors and many apple trees. He grew all kinds of vegetables and shared them with family and friends. He also devoted his time to his family, which meant the world to him, and their happiness and smiles.
Eduardo is survived by his wife, Maria A. Souto, his daughters, Arlene Blight and husband Richard (Sr) of Middletown, and Mary Walker of Middletown. He leaves four grandchildren, Richard and Bridgette Blight, William Walker Jr. and Angelica Walker, 3 great-grandchildren, Catherine Walker, Annalise Blight, and Celina Gardner. Additionally, he leaves one brother, Antonio Souto, and wife Maria, two nephews, a niece and several great nieces and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Manuel Souto and Mario DoSouto, and his son-in-law, William Walker.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021, from 4-7 PM in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.
Funeral services will continue Saturday, May 29, at 8:00 AM from the Memorial Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 AM in Jesus Saviour Church, 509 Broadway, Newport. Burial will follow in St. Columba Catholic Cemetery, Brown's Lane, Middletown.
Eduardo's family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Joseph Weiss and his staff for their support and care throughout his illness and to the medical staff of Tower 2 at Newport Hospital during his final days.
Memorial donations may be made to Jesus Saviour Church, 509 Broadway, Newport RI 02840.