Frank Souza Jr

Portsmouth, RI - Frank ?Buddy? Souza, Sr., 67, of Middle Road, Portsmouth, died Tuesday, November 23, 2004 at Newport Hospital Newport, RI.He was the husband of Shirley Mendonca Souza. Born in Portsmouth, RI on June 26, 1937, he was the son of the late Frank B. and Rose Alvernes Souza. For 26 years Buddy was owner of Souzas Chevrolet Sales and Service, the oldest Chevrolet Dealership in RI. He was a GM Certified Automotive Mechanic and Chevrolet Dealer before retiring in 1999. Buddy was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps where he was an aeronautical mechanic, radio repairman and sharpshooter on the rifle team. He was a Veteran of the Korean War, a life member of the National Marine Corps Leauge, a founding member of the National Marine Corps Museum in Quantico VA and a member of the Col. William Higgins Marine Corps League. He designed and built race cars, rods and rails, many of which held speed records. He was an avid NASCAR and NHRA fan. Buddy restored Cushman scooters and was a member of the Cushman Motor Scooter Club of America and the Nebraska Cushman Scooter Club. Buddy was also a Life Member of the National Rifle Associaition, where he held the title of Sharpstooer and the Newport Rifle Club. He attend Rogers High School in Newport before entering the Marine Corps and RCA Electronic School. Besides his wife of 46 years he is survived by his son Frank ?Buddy? Souza Jr. of Tiverton, RI, four daughters Claudette Cottle and Donna Corvese both of Portsmouth, RI, Terry Burke of Middletown, RI, and Kim Dombek of Swansea, MA, his brother Edward J. Souza of Portsmouth, RI, two grandsons Kevin and Brian Cottle, and three granddaughters Elizabeth and Laura Corvese and Sunnie Autumn Souza. His funeral will be held on Monday, November 29, 2004, at 9:00 AM from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 AM in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in Portsmouth Cemetery in Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Visiting Nurse Services Of Newport Bristol Cos, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871 or to the Portsmouth Volunteer Fire Dpt. Rescue Wagon Fund, P.O. Box 806, Portsmouth, RI 02871.