Mario Angelo deSousa and wife of 48 years (Mary) Arlene deSousa
Mario Angelo deSousa, 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 16, 2012 in Tampa, FL.
He was born in Albany, NY to Angelo and Zillah deSousa on November 10, 1934.
Mario was a 39-year retiree from the New York State Office of General Services, where he last worked as a mechanical engineer and architect. He was part of the architectural team that was responsible for the design of the state buildings and skyscrapers built during the renovation of downtown Albany, NY.
Mario was also proud to have been a past exalted ruler of the Colonie Elks BPDE 2192.
A graduate of Purdue University, Mario exchanged vows with (Mary) Arlene deSousa in 1964. They were married with close family and friends in attendance. Mario took on the responsibility of six step-children to become the loving father and provider they never had. Mario and Arlene remained married for 48 years. Mario resided in the Albany, NY and Loudonville NY area for 63 years.
He spent the last 15 years of his life in Florida. Arlene and Mario retired to Zephyr Hills, FL and then to Land O’ Lakes, FL. He recently resided in the Renaissance Tampa Senior Center where he enjoyed spending time with his and Arlene’s friends. He was a kind soul and will be greatly missed by his very large family and circle of friends.
Mario is survived by his sister, Willa deSousa, as well as Arlene’s sons: Charles Oropallo and his wife Susan, William Oropallo and his wife Lynne, Christopher Oropallo and his wife Holly and Peter deSousa and his wife Jacqueline. He has many loving grandchildren who shared a very special relationship with their grandparents and many great grandchildren who loved to visit their great grandparents in Florida. In addition, he leaves extended family and friends.
Mario was pre-deceased by two of Arlene’s children: Marcia Oropallo and her brother, Daniel Oropallo. Arlene’s younger twin brothers, Francis Ellsworth and Edward Ellsworth, also predeceased Mario.
Donations can be made in memory of Mario A. deSousa to: Salvation Army, P.O. Box 269 Alexandria, VA. 22314. or to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 313 Washington Street, Suite 310, Newton, Massachusetts 02458.
Services will be held at a later time, to be announced.
