Albert Francis Souza

Albert Francis Souza passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 18, 2023 after a short illness. Al was born at home in rural Turlock in 1927 to parents Frank and Mary Souza. His early years on the family's small dairy farm were spent milking cows, raising rabbits, stacking hay, packing melons and all of the hard work that comes with growing up on a small family farm in the 1930s and 40s. After high school graduation, he joined the Army in 1945 and served until 1947 after being honorably discharged. 

Al went to work as a bookkeeper for Souza’s Furniture in Turlock and in 1953, married the love of his life, Dorothy Nelson. They were married for 62 years.

In 1962 with four young daughters, the family moved to Ripon where Al began his career at Ripon Egg Company, a family business that grew to become Cream of the Valley. Al and Dorothy moved to Fair Oaks in 1976, as the business relocated to Sacramento.  As an owner of the company, he was instrumental in growing the business to becoming a major food distributor in the region. 

Al retired in 1989, after Cream of the Valley merged with a national company, and he and Dorothy enjoyed extensive traveling around the U.S., Europe, Japan, and South America. A favorite travel memory of his was a cruise they took around Cape Horn, Chile. Throughout his life Al had a great interest in birds (and all animals) keeping a diversity of birds in his backyard aviaries, often sharing his knowledge with his children and grandchildren. In recent years he enjoyed backyard birdwatching, with a variety of birds flocking to his many bird feeders. Al took great pleasure from his koi pond, enjoying the beauty of the fish and serving as a relaxing centerpiece in his beautiful garden. He was a lifelong learner and avid reader – enjoying books about history, current events, and legal thrillers. 

Al’s greatest love was his family. He is survived by daughters Janice Bosco; Linda Souza Reyes (Frank); Diane Norton (Maxwell); and Carol Souza Cole (Glenn). He is also survived by five grandchildren Naomi Havird (Greg); Thys Norton (Sunny); Linnea Smith (Corey); Carmen Cole, Ian Souza-Cole; Lyon Reyes; and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Dorothy, and sisters Mabel Linhares and Dorothy Matheron.

Remembrances can be made in his name to the Sacramento Zoo attn: New Zoo, 3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822 or at saczoo.org.

A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mel Catholic Church (4745 Pennsylvania Ave, Fair Oaks).  Burial will follow at Fair Oaks District Cemetery.  

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