John J. Sousa

John J. Sousa passed away on Tuesday June 9, 2026, at Horizons at Arbor Landing in Surfside, SC. at 100 years old.

Born on December 8, 1925, in Fall River, MA, John was the son of the late John Sousa and Emily Cabral Johnson.

He was married 73 years to E. Adelyne Sousa who passed away on August 26, 2020, and was predeceased by his beloved brother, Edward Sousa and his sister-in-law, Mary Sousa.

John spent most of his earlier years, before joining the Navy, growing up in Providence, RI.  He left LaSalle Academy to enlist in the Navy on April 9, 1943.  John received his high school diploma about 15 years ago when LaSalle Academy honored all men who left school to join the service before they finished high school.  John served in the Navy until 1946.  He trained in Sampson, NY, serving on the USS PCE 843 and the USS Benevolence as Electrician Mate Second Class. John received medals for Good Conduct, the Victory Medal, American Theater, European-African-Middle East, Asiatic Pacific and Philippine Liberation with 2 stars.  John was present to witness the Atomic Bombing as part of Operation Crossroads and crossed the equator on April 10, 1944. 

Before John enlisted in the Navy, he met his future wife while working in a grocery store in Providence, RI.  They were married in April 1947 and celebrated 73 years together.  John worked in the meter department of Narragansett Electric in Rhode Island for 32 years.  For several years John owned a part time business in Providence, RI where he would teach men how to repair major appliances like washers, dryers, ranges and dishwashers.  His classes were so popular that some men would travel from states like Massachusetts and Connecticut. 

John moved to Murrells Inlet, SC in the spring of 1990 after vacationing in Myrtle Beach for several years.  He was an avid singer who enjoyed sports and traveled considerably to various parts of the country, often by bus. 

Those left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Maureen and her husband Raymond of Surfside Beach, SC; his step grandson, David Gavron and his wife Betsy; their two children, Abby and Jack of Massachusetts; nephews, Richard Sousa and his wife Terry of California; William Sousa and his wife Karen of Rhode Island; nieces, Ellen Sandler and her husband Jeff of Massachusetts; Diane Sousa-Woodbine and her husband Frank of Rhode Island; Carol Owens and her husband Steve of North Carolina. John is also survived by several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

The family of Mr. Sousa requests that memorials are made in his name to Walk to End Alzheimer’s/Alzheimer’s Association (Team Rachel Wiley) of Surfside Beach, SC.

A very sincere “Thank You” from the family to the Horizon staff at Arbor Landing of Surfside for the kindness and excellent care given to John. Also, a special “Thank You” to the Arbor Landing Independent Living staff of Surfside, as well as to Your Health staff and Melinda Miller of Fox Rehabilitation.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday June 17, 2026, at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10 AM to 11 AM at the funeral home.

The service will be live streamed and can be viewed by visiting https://www.burroughsfh.com/obituary/John-Sousa

Online condolences may be expressed at www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet, SC (843.651.1440) is assisting the family.