John D. Souza was born on Aug. 24, 1926 in El Nido, CA to John and Amelia Souza and moved to Los Banos in 1931 where he lived for the rest of his life. He enlisted in the US Army after the 11th grade, serving in the 1st Cavalry Division in both the Philippines and Japan. He played the trombone in the army band. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He then returned to Los Banos and open a gas station. Shortly, thereafter married Peggy Costa. He and Peggy had two beautiful children, Dennis and Karen.
John was a Foreman at the San Joaquin Valley Dairyman’s Association for over 35 years in the Milk Processing Division. In 1976, John married Dianne Ferretti and helped her raise her two boys, Kris and Rick. He and Dianne were married 40 years as of Oct. 5, 2016. John was a wonderful husband and father.
He loved life, loved to dance, was an avid bowler, traveled the world, always with a smile on his face and truly the life of the party. The party continues on the other side.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Amelia; one sister Delores Caropreso; and one brother George Souza.
John is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dianne Souza of Los Banos,; his children: Dennis (Glinda) Souza of Van Buren, AR, Karen (Bryan) Reinhardt of Madera, Kris (Irene) LoSole of Modesto and Rick (Anthony) Goeden of Asbury Park, NJ; his sisters Emily Baker of Los Banos and Hazel Santos of Turlock; his loving grandchildren: Brad Souza, Tracy Mackin, Sarah LoSole and Abby LoSole; four great grandchildren; many family and friends.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel and the funeral services will begin at 10:30 am. Burial will be held at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella at 12:30 p.m. Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or http:// www.diabetes.org Services are under the direction of Whitehurst Funeral Chapels~Los Banos.