Manuel F. Sousa, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017. He was the beloved husband of Helen (Annable) Sousa.  

Prior to moving to Swansea, he was born and raised in Bristol. He was a Navy veteran who served during the Korean War. He devoted his life to his family and his remarkable career in the labor movement, which included President Kennedy sending him to Brazil in an exchange of labor leaders in 1962. He also rallied alongside Martin Luther King Jr and Walter Reuther at the March on Washington for Civil Rights in 1963.

Mr. Sousa worked for organized labor for 47 years, being elected to his first position in 1955 with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in New York. In 1968 he began working for the Rhode Island Textile Union and later served as Area Director of Organizing for the Hospital Workers of 1199.

He retired in 2001 from the Laborers' International Union of North America, retiring as Business Manager of Local Union 1322 and Executive Board Member of the RI Laborer's District Council.  He was also a long time Executive Board member of the RI AFL-CIO.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his devoted children, James Sousa of Swansea, Manuel (Chip) Sousa of Swansea, Sharon Sousa of Bristol and daughter-in-law Darcie Palazzo of Bristol.   He was the grandfather of Joshua and Joseph Sousa of Riverside. He is survived by his brothers, Raymond Falcoa and Herculano (Okie) Falcoa, and sisters-in-law, Suzanne Falcoa and Donna Falcoa, all of Bristol. He will be missed by all who knew him. His funeral services were held, Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the George Lima Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to:  Compassionate Care Hospice,  248 East Chestnut Hill Rd., Suite 4, Newark DE 19713.

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