Oswald Joseph D'Souza

Oswald J. D’Souza passed away peacefully on October 17, 2023, surrounded by loved ones in his home. He passed just as his treasured rose bushes had bloomed all around the house.

Beloved husband of the late Dorothy (Dotty) D’Souza and loving father of Selma and Roy (Terri), and dear grandfather of Eric and Natalie. Fond brother of late Wilfred (Eula), late Donny (Celine), late Sr. Cleta, late Lancy, late Laura (late Gilbert Rasquinha), Marie (late Albert Menezes), and late Jerry. Cherished uncle, godfather, neighbor, and friend to many across the world.

Ozzie was born in East Africa, n/k/a Somalia, to parents Bernard and Martha (Noronha) D’Souza on August 27, 1932. His family returned to India when Ozzie was three years old, growing up in his family’s home called Love-Joy. As a young man, Ozzie was fascinated with learning history and geography, was an active member in his local church, and an avid helper in his mother’s rose garden, interests that carried throughout his life. He learned to be civically engaged in local politics from his father and learned the importance of helping others from his mother. Ozzie’s sense of adventure and travel brought him to Kuwait in 1957 at the start of his professional career to work for the Kuwaiti government and to start his family.

Ozzie and Dotty were married in Mumbai, India on November 3, 1963. They emigrated from Kuwait to Chicago in 1974 with Selma and Roy and lived in Norwood Park for 48 years. They shared a love of family, faith, music, and travel, and were both active parishioners at their church and with the Indian Catholic Association of America. Ozzie was a volunteer for the St. Vincent DePaul Chicago and delivered meals to home bound seniors after he retired. From a young age, Ozzie always had a passion for music, including playing the violin, as a music teacher to many, as a choir member at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and leading the family Christmas carol songs. A true harmony occurred when Dotty and Ozzie would sing a song together.

Ozzie was a dedicated worker, but always took the time to take care of his family and provide for those around him. The D’Souza family home is a source of peace and comfort, providing a lighthouse for those emigrating from India. Ozzie was an incredible role model, inspiring all who knew him to be generous to others, and for his resiliency as he faced many health challenges, especially during the past 15 years.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 21 at 11am at Immaculate Conception Church, 7211 W. Talcott Avenue, Chicago. Visitation will occur at the Church from 9-11am. In lieu of flowers, and especially given Ozzie’s passion for music, nature, and all things living, please send donations to the Chicago West Community Music Center, https://www.cwcmc.org/ or the World Wildlife Fund http://www.worldwildlife.org/. 

Family and friends of Ozzie D'Souza can access the livestream of his Funeral Mass @ Immaculate Conception Parish via Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/icchicago (no registration required). The livestream is also accessible via Immaculate Conception Parish Chicago (Talcott) Facebook Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/81279048528 (registration required).

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Oswald Joseph D'Souza, please visit our Tree Store.