Leonard (Lenny) M. Souza

New Bedford – Leonard (Lenny) M. Souza, age 84, of New Bedford, MA passed away on August 1, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a recent period of declining health. He was the husband of the late Beverly (Almeida) Souza, who predeceased him in 2020. They had been married for over 57 wonderful years. Lenny was born, raised and lived his entire life in New Bedford. He was one of the four Souza brothers born to the late George Souza and Sarah (Riley) Souza. Lenny was a 1959 graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School.

He is survived by his two children, Randall Souza, Esq. and his wife Dr. Erin Hoye of Tiverton, RI, and Pamela Kelly and her husband James Kelly of Dartmouth; as well as his 10 beloved grandchildren: Luke, Seth, Evan, Drew, Will and Sarah Kelly; Ava and Riley Souza; and Colin and Fiona Hoye-Souza. Lenny is also survived by his 3 brothers: George “Sonny” Souza of Acushnet, Donald Souza of Dartmouth, and Paul Souza of Charlotte, NC. Sadly, his 3 sisters-in-law all predeceased him.

After a stint as a marine salesman at C.E. Beckman Co., Lenny worked for several decades for the City of New Bedford Water Department. He started as a meter reader and then became a heavy equipment operator for many years. After his retirement from the City, Lenny was a driver for the New Bedford Council on Aging until his wife’s passing. He was a proud member of the AFSCME union.

Lenny was a diehard Red Sox and Patriots fan – making the pilgrimage to Fenway Park dozens of times with his brothers and his children. On the day before he passed, he asked for his Red Sox cap to be brought to him at the hospital. He also was a fan of NASCAR racing, and he particularly enjoyed the annual trips that the 4 Souza brothers took to Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, where Paul would often procure them access to a luxury box. Lenny also enjoyed his weekly poker nights with his buddies and his frequent trips to the Stackhouse Club in South Dartmouth for a snack and a glass of red wine.

Most of all, Lenny enthusiastically followed and supported his children’s and grandchildren’s achievements and athletic endeavors. In the 1980’s, he and Beverly converted an old food truck into the “Weenie Wagon,” which they drove to all of Pam’s softball games at Springfield College – serving hot dogs to her teammates after the game. For the last 25 years of his life, Lenny faithfully attended countless football, soccer, baseball, basketball and lacrosse games throughout Southern New England to cheer on his grandchildren. He even attended a few youth ice hockey games – although he found rinks to be “too cold” and the offsides rule in hockey “too confusing.”

Lenny had a sharp wit, a gift for math, a great sense of humor, a kind heart, and a wry smile – all of which he sometimes tried to disguise behind an Archie Bunker-like disposition. Everyone knew he was actually a big softie, who would give you the shirt off his back. Per Lenny’s wishes, calling hours are respectfully omitted. His Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 10:00 A.M. All attendees are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Lenny’s memory to a youth sports organization of your choice. Burial will follow at Padanaram Cemetery, 507 Elm Street in South Dartmouth, at which time Beverly’s ashes will also be laid to rest next to him, so that they may be together eternally.

Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. For online condolences go to: www.perryfuneral.com.