Raymond "Ray" Souza, age 97, of Dartmouth passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 11, 2025. A dedicated public servant, passionate community member, and an honest and generous family man, Ray lived a storied and accomplished life. 

 

Born on June 18, 1927 in New Bedford, Ray was the son of the late Antone and Mary Souza. He was raised in a close-knit family alongside his siblings: Antone G. Souza, and his late siblings Helen Kinoia, Richard Souza, and Michael Conley.

 

After graduating from New Bedford High School, Ray enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944. His distinguished 21-year naval career saw him serve in numerous logistical capacities across the globe. During his service, Ray was awarded the Good Conduct Medal (4 stars), the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (1 star), the World War II Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal (1 star). He retired honorably as a Storekeeper Master Chief Petty Officer.

 

Upon his return to Dartmouth, Ray leaned into his entrepreneurial spirit and opened a ship chandler company, where he provided essential retail goods to naval personnel stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. Following the fleet's relocation to Norfolk, Virginia, Ray continued to serve the military community as a military food broker for New England until his retirement in 1992. 

 

Ray's commitment to public service extended to his beloved town of Dartmouth. Appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals in 1966, he dedicated 46 years to shaping the town's development. His insightful contributions were instrumental in the development of the UMass Dartmouth campus, the Dartmouth Mall, and the expansion of local subsidized housing. Ray was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Dartmouth Youth Athletic Association, where he volunteered his time as a basketball coach, a lead fundraiser, and eventually the organization's secretary.

 

Ray was blessed to share his life with two wonderful partners: his first wife, Anna Mae Silva Souza (d. 1992), whom he raised his two children with, and his second wife, Mary Sunderland Souza (d. 2018), whom he enjoyed his retirement with. Ray cared deeply for his family and especially treasured time spent with them at his home in Dartmouth and winters in Florida.

 

He is lovingly remembered and survived by his brother, Antone G. Souza and his wife Elsie Souza of Sarasota, Florida; his daughter, Karin A. Cameron of Dartmouth and son Allen D. Souza of New Bedford; his granddaughters, Sophia M. Cameron and Victoria A. Cameron and her husband Ahaan Bharadwaj; his step-daughter Linda Sunderland Bourgault and her husband Thomas Bourgault; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Lawrence J. Cameron and his step-son Bruce Sunderland.

 

The impact of Ray's life will long be remembered by his family, friends, and communities he cared for. In a fitting reflection from his final writings Ray wrote: "It was indeed an honor and a pleasure to serve the town and the military. I have had a cherished life."

 

In honor of Ray's final wishes, no service will be held and his burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Dartmouth Youth Athletic Association or the Dartmouth VFW Post 9059. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.