Peabody……

Manuel G. Sousa, age 74, beloved husband of the late Celeste (Costa) Sousa, of Peabody, died Thursday evening in Salem Hospital.

He was born and raised in, Graciosa, Azores, Portugal January 10, 1933 the son of the late Francisco and Rosa Sousa. As a young man in his mid 30's Mr. Sousa emigrated to the United and settled in Salem where he and his late wife raised their eight children. He enjoyed being home with his family gardening, growing grapes, making wine and raising chicken and pigs to share with his family and friends.

Mr. Sousa was employed in Peabody's leather industry for many years. A very social person, he lived life to its fullest and following his retirement would visit with his many friends in Peabody Square.

He is survived by eight children, Angelo and his wife Mary Sousa of Newton Junction, New Hampshire, Linda and her husband David Erwin of Haverhill, Frank and his partner Dennis Laughlin of Dorchester, Maria Sousa and Charlie Sousa both of Salem, Manny Sousa and Denise Mackay, Daniel Sousa and his partner Philip Kasprzyk of Franklin, Ma and William Sousa of Salem; two sisters Maria Baptista of Maine and Linda Mondonca of Peabody, 16 grandchildren; two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held on Monday at 12:30 P.M. in the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (cor of North St) Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be immediately before the funeral on Monday from 10:30A.M. to12:30P.M. on Monday. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. For more information please contact the Murphy Funeral Home 978 744 0497and visit MurphyFuneralHome.com for online guest book.