Delbert John Souza

Delbert was born to John and Adele (Freitas) Souza on the island of Oahu 11/24/1931.  He passed away at his home in Long Beach November 6, 2022.

He joined the Coast Guard in the early 1950’s, becoming a cook and spent four years serving his country. He married Rose Marie (Abreu) September 25, 1954 and on their honeymoon, travelled to the mainland, where they settled and bought a home in Long Beach, California and raised three daughters.

Del started working with the Postal Service but soon became a bailiff in the Long Beach Courts and when the Marshalls merged with the Sheriff Dept. became a proud member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department in January of 1961. He retired from LASD as a Lieutenant on March 1, 1989.

During his time with the Sheriff’s Dept., he also earned a Bachelor of Science from Long Beach City College in 1966 and eventually a Masters of Public Administration from the University of California in 1971.

He had many hobbies. He became a Bonsai master and blue-ribbon bird breeder, was a woodworker who specialized in the art of Intarsia. In his younger years he could be found most weekends in his garage or back yard tending to his birds. As he grew older, he often sat in his garage and chatted with the many neighbors that walked by.

He is preceded in death by his wife Rose (2018), daughter Sharon (1976) and grandson Tanner (Raboin) 2011.He is survived by his daughters Karen, Diane (Steve) Raboin, grandson Damien (Rochelle) Bujwid, great granddaughter Ashley Rivera and great-grandsons Damien Jr. and Max Bujwid.

Services are private. He will be buried at All Soul’s Cemetery in Long Beach, Ca.