It is with great sadness that the family of George Souza announces his passing after a long battle with Alzheimer's on August 27, 2021, at the age of 79. He was born on August 11, 1942 and was the son of the late Alfred Olim Souza and Rachael (Saffery) Souza of Wailuku, Maui. George passed away peacefully at the 'Ohana Care Home in 'Aiea and will forever be in the hearts of Pat, his wife of 56 years, his sons Kevin (Monique Kan), and Keith (Minnie Maza), his daughters Michelle (David Kamakea), and Melissa (Ray Koa Parker), his 10 grandchildren Bowe, Chase, Teia-Rose, Janae, Kiani, Pono, La'akea, Kaulana, Kennedy, and Madison, and his great-grandson Elite. He is also survived by his brother Michael Souza (Kennethy Chong Kee) of Wailuku, Maui. George retired after 20 years of service as an Air Force Colonel, and 20 years of service with the City and County of Honolulu serving as Complaints Officer for Mayors Fasi, Harris, and Hanneman. George graduated from the University of Hawai'i in 1965 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Air Force. He later received a Masters' Degree in Systems Management from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas.
In 1965, he married his college sweetheart, Patricia Vilela, from Kaua'i, and they embarked on an adventurous and very successful military career traveling throughout the U.S., serving in Vietnam at the height of the war, and returning to Hawai'i to serve at Camp Smith as Chief of Air Force Personnel. After attending Air War College, he served at U.H. Manoa as the Professor of Aerospace Studies and Commander of the AFROTC program he went through. His final assignment was with the United States Forces Korea J1, where he was responsible for 40,000 personnel. Rather than continue his successful military career, he chose to return to Hawai'i to be with his family. He settled in 'Aiea where he lived until his passing.
George was always committed to service wherever his life's journey took him. He was very active in the community and in his parish church, St. Elizabeth, where he served in many ministries and especially loved singing in the church choir. He created his own ministry called "The Hungary Stewards". Hungary, in honor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, the parish's namesake, and for the hungry homeless his ministry fed his "Broke Da Mouth" beef stew lunch at the homeless shelter in Iwilei every first Saturday of the month for 14 years, with the help of faithful church volunteers. While he was with the City and County, he volunteered after work hours to tutor illiterate City and County workers preparing to obtain their GED. He volunteered for the HPD to perform in various scenarios at their facility in Waipahu as part of their training to become police officers, and also volunteered with the court system as a mediator to help people settle their issues to avoid going to court.
He loved to travel. In retirement, he and Pat traveled whenever they could. They especially enjoyed their pilgrimages to many holy places in Europe with their Pastor Fr. Mike and fellow parishioners, their pilgrimage to Kalaupapa, and their own pilgrimage to Our Lady of Akita in Japan. He had a passion for gardening, cooking, and prepared many lu'aus for family celebrations. His love of God and family was his #1 priority. A beautiful human being! His life was well-lived and touched by many...he will remain forever in our hearts.
Funeral services will be held at St. Elizabeth Church in 'Aiea on Monday, June 13, 2022. 9:00am - Visitation; 10:00am - Eulogy; 11:00am - Funeral Mass; 1:00pm - Burial at Punchbowl National Cemetery.
Arrangements Provided By:
Oahu Mortuary
