Joseph Philip Souza
08-84 to 02-26
Joseph Philip Souza, 41, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at his home in Dracut, MA. Joe was the beloved son of Joanne (Pilato) Souza of North Chelmsford, MA and Kevin F. Souza of Fairfield, CA, both of whom are heartbroken at the loss of their beloved son. His brother, Kevin P. Souza, sister-in-law, Kate Molloy Souza, much-loved nephew, Kevin A. Souza, and Kevin A.’s mother, Charity Reichel, all of Walnut Creek, CA, together with his many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends are grieved by his passing.
Joe was divinely unique, with spontaneous humor, an eclectic music taste, and deep knowledge of film. He charmed those he met with a friendly charisma, effortlessly collecting friends and was the life of the party. He embodied his closely-held value of gentleness towards animals. Joe rescued from harm two beautiful dogs, Neely (passed) and his beloved Sammy. He also loved his cats, Cactus Jack, Fez (passed) and Sabby (passed). Sammy has been rehomed with his loving brother and sister-in-law, and Cactus Jack has joined the family of a much-loved friend Joe knew from work.
Joe was raised in the Highlands section of Lowell, MA, where he attended St. Margaret’s School, then the Landmark School of Beverly, MA, where he graduated high school with the class of 2003. Joe had many friends and teachers there who loved him dearly. His education at Landmark was transformative and remarkable.
Above all else, Joe enjoyed spending time with his only brother, Kevin, whom he admired and loved dearly. They traveled together often for live music events, Celtics and Bruins games, or simply to enjoy quality time together. Joe was also energized by his extensive vinyl music collection, loved watching movies and following sports, and was an avid reader, especially of Stephen King novels. Joe was also a proud homeowner, who relished both quiet time at home and hangouts with long-time neighbor-friends.
Each day, Joe took long walks around his neighborhood with his loving dog, Sammy. They were familiar faces at Speedway gas station on Lakeview Avenue in Dracut, where Joe often stopped to chat with his Speedway pals. It was his own “Cheers”, where everyone knew and loved him.
Joe worked as a service technician at the Lowell Housing Authority for 16 years, where he gained many friends in a solid, supportive job.
?Grieved survivors include his mother, Joanne (Pilato) Souza, and her Life Partner, Daniel C. Fusconi, of North Chelmsford, MA; his father, Kevin F. Souza, and his Life Partner, Linda Bills, of Fairfield, CA; his brother, Kevin P. Souza, and his wife, Kate Molloy Souza, of Walnut Creek, CA; his nephew, Kevin Anthony Souza, and Kevin Anthony’s mother, Charity Reichel, of Walnut Creek, CA; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and colleagues. Pre-deceased were his beloved grandparents, George F. and Rose M. Pilato; Edward A. and Helen F. (Fran) Souza; his aunt, Francine Pilato Avila; his uncle, Edward A. Souza, and his uncle and namesake, Joseph Philip Pilato.
Funeral rites were private. A “Celebration of Life” is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 12pm-4pm at Princeton Station, where family and friends are invited to celebrate Joe’s life and exchange stories, hugs, and fond memories with others who loved him, 147 Princeton Street, North Chelmsford, MA.
Joe was fond of animals and valued their safety and well-being. Please consider a donation in his memory to the Lowell Humane Society, at 951 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA 01854 or https://www.lowellhumanesociety.org/donate/.