Joaquim DeSousa

Joaquim Goncalves DeSousa, affectionately known as QuinQuim or Jack, 86, passed away in St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA on November 3, 2023.

Born and raised in Santa Cruz in Brava, Cape Verde Islands, son of Eduardo Antonio Sousa and Margarida (Goncalves) Sousa, he joined the Cape Verdean military and traveled abroad before immigrating to the United States in 1966. He lived for 40 years in Dartmouth, MA and was a communicant of Our Lady of Assumption Church where he sang in the choir.

Mr. DeSousa worked for over 20 years for Exxon Shipping Company as an able-bodied seaman before his retirement in the early 90s. In his spare time, you could find him watching boxing or wrestling, dancing, telling stories, or playing cards at the Bisca Tournament Club where he served as financial secretary for many years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Maria Silva DeSousa of New Bedford, MA, his children, Abraão DeSousa of Brava, Cape Verde, Marlyne Tavares of New Jersey, Nelson DeSousa of Florida, and Nancy DeSousa of Rhode Island; grandsons David DeSousa and Jose DeSousa of Florida, and Jaime DeSousa of Massachusetts, his sister, Maria (DeSousa) Centeio of New Bedford, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and close friends who were considered family. He was predeceased by his parents, his siblings: Dena DeSousa, Manuel DeSousa, João DeSousa, and Dominga (DeSousa) Mitchell.

Joaquim’s visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Perry Funeral Home from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. His funeral service will take place on Thursday, November 9, starting at Perry Funeral Home from 8am and will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Assumption Church at 9:00am. Burial will immediately follow in Rural Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford, MA 02740.