Vincent Jerard D'Souza

Vincent Jerard D’Souza, lovingly called the “Grand Mufti” by family and friends passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024, peacefully at his home in Lewisville. 

Vincent embraced life with a rare enthusiasm, traveling the world, trekking through the Alaskan wilderness, and even completing the New York Marathon. Alongside his adventures, he was deeply committed to his career as a physician, serving at Wake Forest University School of Medicine from 1978 until his retirement in 2019. His love for oriental gardening led him to cultivate a private sanctuary at home, a reflection of his appreciation for beauty and tranquility. Known for his worldliness and quick wit, he proudly called himself a 'news junkie,' always keeping family and friends informed about politics and global affairs. Vincent also shared a lifelong passion for cars with his closest friends, many of whom have been his companions through the years—some who have passed on and others who remain to cherish his memory. His love for his family ran deep, and he delighted in sharing the many wonders life had to offer. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Vincent was born December 3, 1944, in Mangalore, India, to Martin Anthony D’Souza and Letitia Lewis D’Souza. In addition to his parents, Vincent was preceded in death by his twin sister Nancy, his sister Joyce, and his brothers Ronald, and McLean.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sonja D’Souza; his sons Kevin D’Souza and Sean D’Souza (Rawaa); his brothers Robert D’Souza (Dora), Maxim D’Souza, and Leslie D’Souza (Asha); his sisters Ivy D’Souza and Gladys Perreira (Oliver). Uncle Vincent will also be fondly remembered by his nephews and nieces back home in India, Austria, and the U.S. He will also be fondly remembered by his Austrian family Heinrich and Monika Schneider, Heinrich Schneider Jr, Harald Schneider, Karin Statzer, and Selma Schneider. 

A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home, Lewisville Chapel. There will be a public visitation starting one hour prior to service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund at nc.gov/donate.