John J. Souza, 65, of Riverside, and formerly of Warren, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, September 8, 2019 at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the husband of Dorianne “Dodie” (Ferrara) Souza.

John was born in Fall River, MA, a son of the late John Souza and Olivia (Viera) Souza.

Mr. Souza had recently retired as the Night Operations Manager of Centrex Distributors.

He proudly served for 11 years in the U.S. Air Force, most of which time was spent in Alaska. He enjoyed woodworking, playing cards, guitar, his animals and his 1970 El Camino.

He also enjoyed spending time with his family, his wife, and taking his grandchildren out for ice cream. John will be fondly remembered for always being a gentleman.

He was a graduate of the former Warren High School, Class of 1972, where he first met Dodie, and they became High School Sweethearts. After High School John joined the U.S Air Force, and after many years, John re-connected with Dodie, and ultimately they were married.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his sisters, Marjie Rossi and husband Raymond, Nancy Marshall and husband Kenneth, brothers-in-law Richard Ferrara and his wife Nancy, Nicholas Ferrara and his wife Jennifer, Michael Ferrara and his wife Nicole, and sister-in-law Rebecca Gordon and her husband Thomas, his children Dorianne Opielawski and her husband Glenn, David A. Girard II, and Melissa Keyser and her husband Christian, and grandchildren Tessa, David III, Khloe Lee, Karissa, Nicholas and Bryce and also many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held Friday September 20, 2019 at 8:30 am from Smith Funeral and Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 500 Metacom Ave., Warren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

Calling hours are Thursday, Sept.19, 2019 from 4-7pm and Friday morning from 8:30 to 9:30am.

See ww.wjsmithfh.com.