Richard L. Souza
Beloved Husband & Father, US Air Force Korean War Veteran
LOWELL - Richard Lionel ‘Dick’ Souza, 90 of Lowell, passed away on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Lowell General Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of Deborah (Dupont) Souza, with whom he shared the last 42 years.
He was born on June 28, 1932 in Lowell and was the son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Borges) Souza. He was raised in Lowell, where he attended the area schools.
In 1953, Mr. Souza enlisted with the United States Air Force, where he honorably served for over 20 years until his honorable discharge in 1973. A veteran of the Korean War he was discharged with the rank of tech sergeant.
During his service he was a part of the 6147th Tactical Air Control Group, known as the “Mosquitoes,” which created a large-scale, effective forward air control system, both airborne and ground-based. Within the 6147th he was also a member of the 6150th Tactical Control Squadron.
The Mosquitoes were a well known and respected unit which earned Presidential Unit Citations and the Korean Presidential Unit
Citation, during the war, and had flown 40,354 missions by its end.
Richard retired from GE in 1989, where he worked as a dispatcher for over 15 years. He enjoyed woodworking and sewing, but above all else enjoyed time spent in his home with his family.
Richard is survived by his wife, Deborah (Dupont) of Lowell; his son, Joseph Souza and his wife, Ginny of Saugus; his brother, Agnel Souza of Lowell; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends that were family.
He was also the brother of the late Estelle Silva, Juan Sousa, Alverine Eno, and Shirley Burke.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Disabled American Veterans, State House-room 546, Boston, MA 02133 or to: United Service Organizations, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 2007; or any other charity of your choice to benefit veterans.
On Thursday, February 23, 2023 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 3-6 p.m. at Mcdonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, 978-458-6816. His funeral will begin on Friday morning, please gather at the funeral home between 9:30-9:50 for his funeral service at 10 a.m.. Procession will follow for burial at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Chelmsford. Please find us on facebook or visit www. Mcdonoughfuneralhome.com to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.