Joseph Sousa, Sr.

Joseph Sousa Sr., age 74 of Taunton, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, at Accent Care in Milton.

He was the husband of Joanne C. (Gaudet) Sousa.

Born in Sao Miguel, Azores, he was the son of the late Jose Jacinto deSousa and Leonor (Martins) Stone.

An avid soccer player, Joe lent his talents to numerous clubs over the years, including the Taunton Eagles, Taunton Sports, and P.N.C. in Stoughton. His passion for the sport also led him to serve as a respected referee for many semi-professional and professional soccer organizations.

Beyond the soccer field, Joe loved fishing, camping, dancing, listening to music, and singing. He found true solace by the water. Above all, Joe adored his grandchildren, who were the absolute center of his world.

In addition to his wife, Joanne, he is survived by his children: Tina Kelliher and her husband John, Joseph Sousa Jr., Christian Sousa and his fiancée Cheryl Waters, and Joanne Baker and her husband John. He was the cherished grandfather of Joseph

Sousa III, Patrick Kelliher, Autumn Sousa, Jason Baker, Shraya Waters, and Shylynn Waters. He is also survived by three sisters, three brothers, and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00PM in the chapel of the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary’s Square), Taunton.

Additional parking with handicap access is located on the north side of the funeral home.

A second viewing will take place on Monday morning, September 21, 2026, at 9:30AM at the Silva Funeral Home, followed by an 11:00 AM Celebration of Life Mass at Saint Andrew the Apostle Church, 19 Kilmer Avenue, Taunton.

Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Joe’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Saint Andrew the Apostle Church in Taunton.

For expressions of sympathy, to sign the online guestbook, to plant a tree, or to light a memorial candle, please visit www.silvafuneralhome.com.