Arnold Leroy Souza, better known as Punky, passed away on January 4, 2024. Punky was born in Gustine, CA to parents Arnold and Angie Souza and was a lifelong resident in the Stevinson/ Hilmar area. Together with his father and brother Phillip they operated a dairy farming business for over 60 years. He loved going to the Houseboat to fish and enjoy watersports. He spent much of his free time on Jeeping trips with the 4x4 in Motion jeep club in which he was a founding member. He had a gift of creating all things out of wood. He loved spending time with family and his dear friends as much as possible. Punky received the golden ax for over 30 years in the Stevinson fire department as a volunteer member and serving as chief. He loved his community and was involved in organizations like the California Milk Advisory Board district 6 Dairy Princess Committee, YMI and the Sheriff ’s Posse. He also sat on the board for the Hilmar Unified School District, and Hatch Milling Feed Company. This allowed him to serve his community in all the areas he was most passionate about. 

At the heart of Punky’s passion was his faith and his family. He was a lifelong parishioner of Holy Rosary/St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He married the love of his life, Rosemary Souza, on June 21, 1969. Together they raised four children, Jeff, Shelbey, Ashley and Lindsey. They have 12 grandchildren that affectionately call him PopPop. 

Punky is survived by wife Rosemary Souza; his children Jeff Souza (Jennifer), Shelbey Horstmeier (Duane), Ashley Lima (Jeff), Lindsey Oliveira (Michael); and his 12 grandchildren, Miranda, Mariah, Makayla, Briley, Teygan, Kinzey, Sidney, Lucas, Parker, Payton, Penley and Patric. Also, his brother Phillip Souza (Llyn), sister Eloise Gioletti (Bob), brother-in-law Joesph Teixeira (Joan) and step-sister Marlene Agresti (Harold). And now he is reunited with his parents Arnold and Angie Souza and step-mother Jenny Gioletti Souza. 

A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm followed by a Rosary at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 16th at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hilmar. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, January 17th, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hilmar. Interment to follow at Hills Ferry Cemetery in Newman. 

Donations in memory of Punky can be made to Hilmar Holy Rosary Building Fund or any charity of your choosing.