Gerald A. Souza, 61, of Wareham, died August 17, 2010 at home. He was the husband of Carol A. (Vance) Souza and the son of the late Joseph C. Souza.

He was born in Fall River and lived in Wareham for 27 years.

Mr. Souza served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He received a Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal.

Mr. Souza worked as a Massachusetts State Police trooper for 13 years before retiring. Previously he worked for the Massachusetts Department of Corrections and as a police officer for the City of Fall River.

He was a member of the American Legion and the Wankinquoh Rod and Gun Club, in Middleboro. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and restoring old cars.

Survivors include his widow Carol A. (Vance) Souza; his mother Josephine (Roderiques) Souza, of Fall River; a daughter, Patricia Souza, of Fall River; a step-daughter, Elizabeth Roderiques, of Lowell; two brothers, Joseph Souza, of Somerset, and Gordon Souza, of Westport; a sister, Cheryl Roby, of VA; and a grandson, Stephen Souza, of Fall River.

His graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 23, 2010 at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours have been omitted.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Inc., 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.

Arrangements are by the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., (Rte. 28), Wareham. For directions and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfunerahome.com.