Joseph DeSousa, formerly of Temple Terrace, Florida, and Wakefield, Somerville, and East Boston, Massachusetts, passed away on March 3, 2026.

A self-made man, he valued hard work, education, and family. "Joe De" loved a good joke, a good book, food, and travel, all Boston sports (plus the Bucs & Lightning) and helping people.  A 3rd degree KoC, and USAR veteran, he proudly completed his extended service as a SSGT with the 1st Army, XIII Corps, 394th DSB.  Joe graduated from Bentley College and had a lengthy career at Honeywell, Bull HN, and Polaroid.  Upon moving to Florida he was active with Raintree III Association, USF Catholic Center, and worked in private security.

Joe is survived by his cherished companion and best friend Clara Obergfell.

He leaves his sons Brian (wife Tera), David (wife Suzanne), Matthew (wife Tammy). and grandchildren Will, Kate, and Austin.  He is survived by his dearest cousin Carol Cunningham and her partner Walter Sugrue, sisters Mary Emily Julien, Beatrice Zampitella, and Lucy Runyon and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years Carol Malone, parents Joseph & Mary, brothers Tony & John, and treasured aunt & uncle Vera and Charlie Cunningham.

Special thank you to his neighbors - including Beverly, Rick B., John G., Larry W., and other friends and care-givers at Blue Palms Rehabilitation Center.

A Mass of Intentions will be held at the USF Catholic Center on March 31, 2026 at 12:30pm.

Later this spring, a Mass will be held in Massachusetts.