Francisco DeSouza

Francisco DeSouza graced this earth with his presence for 81 blessed years before peacefully entering into eternal rest at Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care Center on Monday, April 24, 2017, surrounded by his family.

Francisco, also affectionately known throughout his life as "Papito", "Corandi" and "Frank", was a devoted family man. Francisco leaves behind to celebrate his life his wife, Sandra DeSouza; Daughters, Donnise DeSouza Webb (husband, Joseph) and Diamara DeSouza Clark (husband, Jamel) and Son - Daniel DeSouza (girlfriend, Disa); Siblings – Humberto Roberts (wife, Luzmilda), Stanley Roberts (wife, Mariana), Marva McFarlane, Ruth Abrahams, Ernesto Roberts, George Roberts, Rogelio Roberts, Hector Roberts, and Margie "Pinky" Simpson; five grandsons, Antonio DeSouza, Devon Yeldell, Jayden Clark, Daniel DeSouza Jr. and Destin DeSouza; Godchildren, Paul Martin, Jr., Roberto Thomas, William Young, and Damaris Ramos; former wife, Veronica Vernon; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Francisco was preceded in death by his loving mother, Pearl DeSouza de Soley and his son, Francisco DeSouza.

Francisco was born in Colon, Panama on April 14, 1936. As a teenager in Panama, Francisco was part of a close-knit youth empowerment organization called Club Manchester. As a young man, Francisco relocated to Brooklyn, New York and enlisted in the United States Armed Forces in 1960. During his service to our country, Francisco's military tours included a stint in Germany. Francisco was Honorably Discharged in 1966.

Francisco's participation in Club Manchester continued in New York, spawning business ventures, such as a popular social club and real estate investments. Lifelong friendships were birthed from the infamous Club Manchester. Surviving members of the Club are Randolph Franklin (wife, Shirley), Rogelio Manning (wife, Cleo), Paul Martin, and Humberto Roberts. Francisco was married to Veronica Vernon from 1963 to 1977. Other dear lifelong friends include Olga Pinto, Gloria Madison, Zetta McCalla, and Ana Roberts.

Francisco enjoyed a long and successful career in accounting with major companies Murjani, Ltd. and Accessory Network until his retirement in 2005. After retiring, Francisco and Sandra moved to Miami, Florida to be closer to his daughter, Donnise. Finally, in 2014, Francisco and Sandra moved to Cumming, Georgia and resided with his daughter, Diamara and her family for the remainder of his life.

Of all his achievements, Francisco's family was the most important. Francisco was a very involved and supportive parent to all of his children and grandchildren. His mother, Pearl, was his treasure to whom he faithfully called virtually every Sunday during her lifetime.

Everyone whose life was touched by Francisco would surely describe him as a very generous, kind and loving man, who had a passion for life, a witty sense of humor, and compassion for others. Francisco loved watching baseball, basketball and boxing; loved socializing with others and dancing. Francisco DeSouza was an incredible man. He will be missed by all, and will forever be in our hearts.