Rafael V. DeSousa, 91 of Lowell, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Maria (Fatima) DeSousa with whom he shared the last 63 years.
He was born in Guadalupe, Graciosa, Azores, Portugal on December 8, 1930 and was a son of the late Altamiro and the late Maria (Julia) DeSousa. He was raised and educated in Portugal where he served with the Portuguese military. His family emigrated to Angola, where he married Maria and lived until 1974. While in Angola he worked on his ranch and as a barber on the side.
In 1975, Rafael relocated to the United States, settling in Lowell, where he worked at Joann Fabrics, retiring in 1995. He was a communicant of St. Anthony Church. He enjoyed traveling, especially back home to his ancestral home in Graciosa. His family was his world, he adored time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Maria DeSousa of Lowell; he is survived by his son, Fernando DeSousa and his wife, Maria of Lowell; his daughter, Filomena Soares and her husband, Angelo of Lowell; his grandchildren, Michael Soares, Lisa Soares, Brandon DeSousa, Tristen DeSousa; and his great grandchildren, Travis Kosiavelon, Andrew Soares. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Luzia G. Picanco, Luis DeSousa and his wife, Maria, Camilo DeSousa and his wife Antonina.
He was predeceased by his siblings, the late Joao DeSousa and the late Hermegildo DeSousa.
In accordance with the City of Lowell mandate, masks are required on Sunday, December 19, 2021 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 2-6 p.m. at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, 978-458-6816. His funeral will begin on Monday morning at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. Please visit www.McDonoughFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence.