Manuel “Manny” Sousa, Jr. 77, a longtime resident of Spencer, died peacefully Saturday, October 26, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.

     Manny was born on May 25, 1936 in Peabody, MA. He was preceded in death by his father Manuel Sousa, Sr. and his mother Mary (Rodriquez) Sousa. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan (Warpula) Sousa; two sons, Mark L. Sousa of Spencer, William Sousa and his wife Sandy of Brookfield; three daughters, Theresa M. Doresky of Spencer, Marie Furtardo and her husband James of New Braintree, Darlene Polinski and her husband Kenneth of Spencer; two sisters, Delores Sousa of Sturbridge, Doris Pasqerallio of Pennsylvania; fourteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He is predeceased by a brother, William Sousa and a sister, Elvira Sousa. Manuel served our country in the United States Army and was honorable discharged in 1957.

     Manuel successfully owned and operated Manny’s Kitchen and United Auto Sales located in Worcester, MA. Even though Manny was a successful business owner, his family always came first.

     His most recent accomplishment came on October 4, 2013 when Manuel achieved his dream of being his grandson’s best man.

     Family, friends, and others whose lives Manny touched are invited to MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2013. His funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow to Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.