WALLINGFORD- Joseph N. Sousa, 70, of Wallingford, died peacefully at home on November 9, 2021.  He was the husband of Susan (Ryan) Sousa for 51 years, where they together resided in Meriden and Wallingford. 

He was born on October 8, 1951 in New Haven, CT to the late Joseph and Norma G. (Hultgren) Sousa.  He was a Wallingford native and graduate of Lyman Hall High School Class of 1969 where he excelled in music. As a teen, he served as church organist at Zion Lutheran Church, played trumpet and played with several area musical groups, such as "Walden's Pond" in the 1970s and "Images" in the 1980s. He has 13 copyrights registered with the Library of Congress and wrote over 80 songs during his lifetime. He was also a freelance writer who was published in many national publications.

He worked in several arenas in his life, co-owning and operating "Angler's Corner", a fishing supply business in Meriden. He was particularly proud of his work as a community organizer for the Meriden Community Action Agency as a Supervisor of the Community Resources Unit. He also provided technical and organizational assistance during the 1980s and 1990s to the Tenant Union of Meriden, The Reinvestment Alliance of Meriden, the Meriden Youth Athletic League, The Hobart Street Neighbors, and worked on may special city-wide projects in Meriden. Joe was dedicated to and worked for the principles of "Truth, Justice, and Peace" during his lifetime.

Besides his wife, "Beautiful Susan", Mr. Sousa leaves behind his children, Cheryl L. Sousa Kim and her husband Min-Seok, son Joseph R. Sousa and his wife Lisa, two brothers, David B. Sousa and Bryan Sousa, sister Debra Yapp, as well as grandchildren Jordan, Daniel, Joseph and Adam. He was predeceased by his mother, Norma Sousa of Edgartown, MA, and father Joseph Sousa of Wallingford.

His family will receive visitors on Monday, November 15, 2021 from 9AM-10AM at the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm St. Wallingford. A Celebration of Life will be held at the funeral home at 10AM.  Interment following the service will be private. In lieu of cut flowers the family asks that a lasting plant be sent to commemorate Joe. To leave a message of remembrance for the family please visit: www.BaileyCares.com