John D. Sousa

John D. Sousa, of Rumford, died on Thursday May 28, 2015 at his residence. He was inflicted with Frontotemporal Degeneration, a devastating disease that he faced with courage and dignity. John was born on August 23, 1930 in Providence, the son of late John P. and Mary (Miranda) Sousa. He was the loved and cherished husband of Joan (Cardi) Sousa.John was a former resident of Bristol, RI and graduate of Colt Memorial High School. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Elementary Education, Guidance and Administration from Rhode Island College of Education. A recipient of a number of academic awards, he was a member of the Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Delta Phi. John worked in the Bristol Public Schools for 35 years. During his tenure, he served as a teacher and guidance counselor before being appointed to principal at Colt-Andrews School. A position he held for 25 years. After retiring from Bristol, John worked for the Diocese of Providence teaching at St. Margaret's School in Rumford and serving as the CCD Director at St. Brendan Parish in Riverside. Recently, he was a member of the Rhode Island Association of Retired Principals. John was the consummate educator, always demonstrating a sincere passion for his work. His commitment to teaching and learning was evident to all those who knew him.John was instrumental in establishing the Bristol County Teachers' Credit Union and managing its operation in its formative years. He served as a member of the RI National Guard - Bristol. John was a longstanding member of the Rumford Lions. He served as Past President and held a number of positions on the board. He was committed to serving his community and proud to be a member of this philanthropic organization. John served on numerous committees and commissions throughout his career. He brought value added to every task he approached. His unique skill set and gentle manner, combined with his caring spirit, were the hallmarks of his professional and personal success.Besides his wife of 41 years, he is survived by his beloved and devoted sons, Jonathan D. Sousa of Seekonk, MA, and Darren J. Sousa of Rumford, RI and grandchildren Jaxson Sousa and Lily Sousa. He is also survived by his son John-Paul Sousa of Irvine, CA and his daughter Lori E. Lapre of Bristol, RI and grandchildren Shana Lapre and Jordan Lapre. John leaves his sister, Ann -Marie Zaino of Bristol, RI and was predeceased by his sister Ann E. Sousa.Calling hours will be held Friday, June 5, 2015 from 4 to 8 pm in The Hambly Funeral Home "Brick House" at 30 Red Cross Avenue, Newport, RI. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at 10 am in St. Margaret Church at 1098 Pawtucket Ave, Rumford, RI. Burial will follow in Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI.Donations in John's memory may be made to the Lions Club of Rumford, PO Box 4921, Rumford, RI 02916 or to The Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration on the website at www.theaftd.org. Cemetery Details Swan Point Cemetery Providence, RI, Visitation JUN 5. 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Hambly Funeral Home 30 Red Cross Ave Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.hamblyfuneralhome.com Service JUN 6. 10:00 AM St. Margarets Church 1098 Pawtucket Avenue Rumford, RI, US