Henry M Souda Sr

Henry M. "Mooney" Souda, Sr. 92 years young, of Shrewsbury passed away Wednesday, January 20th 2010 with family by his side. His wife of 44 years Elizabeth (Winn) Krym, Souda passed away in 2007. His first wife Helen Ann (Rourke) Souda passed away in 1961; Henry is survived by, five children; Charles H. Souda and his wife Margaret, Sheila Ann Quirion and her husband Jean all of Shrewsbury, Henry M. Souda Jr. of Siesta Key, Florida, Melissa M. Goyette and her husband Michael of Saco, Maine, and John Souda with whom he lived; Three Stepchildren, Dr. Robert Krym (LtCol USAF retired) and his wife Patricia in Virginia, and Cynthia Krym of Agawam, and Charlie "Derek" Krym and his wife Carolyn of Dunnellon, FL; a sister, Elizabeth Vinson in California; 17 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and a great great grandchild; many nieces, nephews and friends including Joyce Goddard a neice and godchild. Henry was pre deceased by a Step daughter, Ann Marie McQueen, two brothers, Edward and Louis Souda, and three sisters, Helen Nozzolillo, Mary Goddard, and Lillian Souda. Henry was born in Worcester, the third of seven children of Fred and Selma (Massad) Souda who immigrated from Lebanon. He graduated from Commerce High school where he was a standout in Baseball, Hockey and Track and also editor of the school newspaper. Henry then went on to Worcester Academy on a scholarship to play baseball. In his early 70's he attended Worcester State College focusing on Urban Studies and Social Sciences. Henry began his career as a sales rep for the former C.T. Sherer Department Store selling T.V. and Appliances. He then started his own business; Souda's TV-Appliance Store in Downtown Worcester and later on Park Ave in Worcester before retiring. He then was invited by the Shrewsbury Town Manager to serve on the Shrewsbury Council on Aging. At the age of 75 Henry began a second career as a writer. He wrote a column called the "Elder Voice" for the Chronicle of Shrewsbury. He composed articles for the Worcester Elder Advocate, and the Telegram & Gazette. He was a strong senior advocate and served on several boards; The Federal Central Mass agency on aging, the Elder Age Center and Elder Affairs of Worcester, the Mass Older Americans and Senior Action Agency. He was very active in founding and establishing the Shrewsbury Senior Center. Henry was a member and board of director of the Greendale YMCA and a member of the Worcester Lodge of Elks #243. He was an avid poker player, and played bridge worldwide on his computer at the age of 80. He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and was thrilled to be able to see them win the World Series in 2004 & 2007. Henry's funeral will be held Saturday January 23rd from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL; 370 Plantation St with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. Anne Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery. A period of visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home prior to the mass. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Shrewsbury Senior Center, 98 Maple Ave. Shrewsbury.