Thomas Frank Souza

Thomas (Tom) Frank Souza (born November 30, 1942) was received into the loving arms of God on March 6, 2026. Tom was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to Frank and Gladys (nee McElroy) Souza while his father was stationed at a United States Army German P.O.W. camp. The family remained in Mississippi until he was a toddler, when they returned to Rhode Island, where he was raised.

He graduated from East Providence High School, Rhode Island, in 1960, where he distinguished himself as an All-State athlete in track and cross country. He continued his running career at Providence College, competing in cross country and track, and later earned a Master's degree in Social Work from the Boston College School of Social Work.

Following graduate school, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Amarillo Air Force Base in Amarillo, Texas (1966-1969) where he rose to the rank of Captain. It was during his time in Texas that he met Sherry Rennie, the love of his life. They were married in 1970 and began a devoted partnership that would anchor his life.

In 1972, Tom and Sherry became members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, where he remained a beloved and active member for more than five decades. He coached the parish school's track team for many years, served as a Eucharistic minister and active member of the IHM Grandparents Club, and was a dedicated member of the Parish Council. His faith was not simply something he practiced, it was something he lived.

Tom devoted 38 years of his professional life to serving fellow veterans as a social worker at the VA Hospital in Brecksville. Throughout his career, he provided compassionate care and steady guidance to those who had served our country, and he played an instrumental role in helping to establish a program for homeless veterans, work that reflected both his professional calling and his deep sense of responsibility to others.

Tom embraced life with joy and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved good, wholesome fun, easy laughter, and bringing smiles to those around him. A proud New Englander at heart, he was a devoted fan of all New England sports teams, especially the Boston Red Sox. He loved sports in every form, watching games, attending them whenever he could, and sharing in the excitement with family and friends, cheering faithfully through every triumph and heartbreak with the same loyal optimism that defined his life. He also cherished the companionship of his beloved 15-year-old cat, Sweetie, who brought him daily comfort and quiet joy

Above all, Tom's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband of 56 years to his wife Cheryl (McDonnell Rennie), and a proud, loving father to his four beloved children: Kathleen Souza; Jennifer Souza (John Becker); Shannon Jermain (Scott); and Patrick Souza.

His most cherished title, however, was "Papa Tom." Nothing brought him more happiness than his grandchildren, Jim Kozlowski, Lindsay Jermain, Ryan Jermain, Jack Becker, and Aurora Souza, each of whom filled his life with immeasurable pride, laughter, and love. Being their Papa was his greatest honor and delight.

He was a loving brother to Paul Souza (Kathy) and a cherished nephew to his surviving aunts and uncles, Steve McElroy (E. Providence, RI) Dan McElroy (Charleston, WV), Nancy Grant (Lake Wales, FL), Thomas McElroy (Palm Isle, FL), Joan Paone (Cranston, RI), and Eddie McElroy (Farmington, CT). He was a beloved friend to Howard Friedman (Carol) and Tom Halfhill (MaryAnn), and a lifelong friend and vacation companion to Terry and Diana Hoffman. He is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and especially to the extraordinary caregivers at Cleveland Clinic Edwin Shaw Hospital, for their valiant efforts, compassion, and love.

Calling hours will be held Friday, March 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Anthony & Dunn-Quigley Funeral Home, 3333 Kent Road, Stow, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Tom's remarkable life and love will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1905 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made in his name to Haven of Rest Ministries, 175 East Market Street, Akron, OH 44308.