Derry, NH: John H. Souza, 75, of Derry, NH, formerly of Haverhill, MA, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.

Born in Winthrop, MA, he was the son of the late Henry and Elizabeth (MacCormick) Souza. John spent his early years growing up in East Boston before the family moved to Saugus, MA, where he graduated from Saugus High School, Class of 1963. For over thirty years he was a truck driver, working for the companies of Waste Management and BFI. He also owned and operated Need A Ride Taxi Service. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 128 Melrose, MA.

In his younger years, John enjoyed golf, woodworking, and showcasing his basketball skills in the backyard.  He also loved catching some sun at the area beaches. But above all else, John loved his family, and cherished being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

John will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of thirty-nine years, Judith (Malone) Souza of Derry, NH, formerly of Haverhill, MA, daughters, Bonnie Souza of Methuen, MA, and Carrie Marion of Malden, MA, sons, Michael Downing and his wife Anne of Atkinson, NH, Robert Downing and his wife Anne of Sandown, NH, Thomas Downing and his wife Eleanor of Weare, NH, John Downing and his wife Jennifer of Sandown, NH, daughter, Teresa Brown and her husband Michael of Atkinson, NH, brother, Robert Souza and his wife Janice of Bedford, NH, nineteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and several nephews and nieces. John was predeceased by his sons John Souza and Michael Souza as well as his sister Patricia Drivas.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow, NH, following the guidelines of the State of New Hampshire for social distancing and the wearing of face masks in the funeral home at all times. His Graveside Funeral Service will take place at 10 am on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, in Puritan Lawn Cemetery, 185 Lake St, Peabody, MA.

During this difficult and extraordinary time, please take a moment to show your support to the family by visiting our website at www.brooksidechapelfh.com to send a message of condolence to the family and to share a precious memory.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in John's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or by visiting www.alz.org