Alfred Joseph Souza

Alfred Joseph Souza, 84, of Nantucket Island, MA and Manchester, NH died unexpectedly on November 20, 2022 in Manchester, while in rehab following a recent stroke. 

Al was born June 19, 1938 on Nantucket, MA to Joseph Souza and Mary Frances (Sylvia) Souza.  Al grew up at the family home on Orange Street, also then the site of Joe’s Barber Shop, before his parents purchased the lot on the corner of Back and Pleasant Streets and built the current home and business. 

Al graduated from Nantucket High School in 1956 and enlisted in the Army following graduation. He served in the 82^nd Airborne Unit and received an honorable discharge in 1959.

After attending Cape Cod Community College, he went on to Plymouth State College in NH.   Throughout school, Al worked summers on the Island, for his cousin Myles on the trash truck, as a mail carrier for the Post Office, and at Young’s Bicycle Shop.  While at the Post Office, he became acquainted with Kathleen McLaughlin, a Nantucket native also working there.  Al and Kathleen married in Dec., 1965 and moved to N.H., where Kathy taught school and Al finished his studies at Plymouth. 

Following graduation from Plymouth, and a year taking courses at U. of Conn., the couple and their newborn first child, Sean, settled in Nashua, NH.  Al held teaching positions at several levels before taking a year off to pursue a Master’s degree from Fitchburg State College.  He resumed his teaching career at Dover High School in Dover, NH, where he served as Social Studies Department Head for many years. 

Al and Kathy took the family back to Nantucket every summer, Al’s parents having built a cottage on the Back St. property to accommodate the growing family. Four sons and two daughters were able to enjoy summers on the Island, surrounded by loving relatives on both sides of the family, while also working towards college.   Al enjoyed working part-time for Murray’s Liquor Store for many years, keeping many afternoons open for beach time with the family and bartending at private parties in the evening, getting to know many Island visitors and often making their favorite beverages even as he saw them approaching.

After a career in teaching, Al enjoyed his retirement, visiting family in Washington D.C., San Francisco, and New Mexico.  A favorite was a family trip to the Azores, where he was able to appreciate the special places from which his relatives emigrated.

After retirement, Al discovered a love of birdwatching, an activity he enjoyed on Nantucket, with friends in NH and at Indian Rocks Beach in Florida, where he was able to enjoy many special times. While in NH, Al also developed many lasting friendships as a mall walker, an activity popular among seniors in cold climates!

Also after retirement, Al found great pleasure in working for The Trustees of Reservations, first as a tour guide to Great Point Lighthouse and then as a ranger.  His family service connections to the Island lighthouses gave him a unique interest in imparting Island history to the many visitors to this special part of Nantucket. 

Al inherited his father’s love of gardening and will be well remembered for the many tomatoes he shared with his neighbors. 

Al was predeceased by his parents, his beloved son Sean, and his cousin Terry. Al is survived by his wife Kathleen and the family he treasured, including his sons Kevin Joseph and wife Maria Basco of Hooksett, NH; Brian Thomas and wife Rachel Hitch of Reading, MA; Michael Joseph and fiancée Elisa Kermani of Nantucket; daughters, Kerry of Washington D.C., and Erin and husband Andrew Barnhart of San Francisco.  Also, four granddaughters of whom he was very proud:  Madeleine, Lauren, and Adrienne Souza of Hooksett, NH, and Amelia Souza of Reading, MA. He is also survived by his cousins Ray Sylvia, Sandra (Sylvia) Knievel, and Alyce Moore.

Funeral services will take place on Nantucket. A wake will be held at St. Mary’s, Our Lady of the Isle, from 5-7pm on Tues., Dec. 13, and a funeral Mass at St. Mary’s at 11am on Weds., Dec. 14^th. All are welcome to attend a reception at Legion Hall around noon, following the mass.

Donations may be made in his memory to support the Sean Souza Memorial Scholarship Fund, Care of Trinity High School, 581 Bridge St, Manchester, NH 03104 or to Right to Life NH.

A memorial will be scheduled in NH at a later date.