displayfireworks1
11-17-2013, 05:02 PM
Robert Souza, head of the Rialto-based Pyro Spectaculars by Souza fireworks dynasty and a longtime Claremont resident, died Nov. 6 after a long struggle with a chronic illness.
He was 83.
A pioneer in the “business” of magical pyrotechnic aerial displays around the world, Robert Souza’s legacy could be traced to his grandfather Papagaio, who brought his fireworks from the Azores to the San Francisco Bay area in the early 1900s.
Jim Souza, president of Pyro Spectaculars, said his father’s death is a great loss.
“I learned at my father’s knee,” the younger Souza said.
“The torch will be passed and it’s our duty and responsibility to carry on with his vision.”
Jim Souza said that next year’s spectacular fireworks displays will be dedicated to his father.
Robert Souza spent the first 55 years of his life in Oakland. After graduating from Castlemont High School, he played professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals organization before marrying Shirley Perry and starting a family in Oakland.
He was employed by the Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. and worked as a sports referee, but his family tradition and a passion for fireworks led him to a full-time career in the pyrotechnic industry.
In 1974, he moved his family to Claremont, where the California Fireworks Display Co. became a prominent fireworks production company under his direction. Five years later, Robert started Pyro Spectaculars, a company that to this day is considered one of the premier fireworks production companies in the world.
Robert Souza will be remembered for his many contributions to the fireworks industry in the areas of safety, innovation, ethical business practices and leadership.
He also served as president of the American Pyrotechnics Association and received the Association’s highest recognition as a Milton Dropo Award winner.
“His death is really a loss to the whole fireworks industry,” said H.H. Hanson, executive assistant to Jim Souza.
“Robert Souza, through his warm smile and deep enthusiasm for life, friends and family, has influenced countless lives from around the world. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him,” Jim Souza said.
Robert Souza leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Shirley, and children Jim (Liann), Nancy (Ian Gilfillan) and Gary (Elizabeth); grandchildren Paul, Christopher (Melissa), Richard, Matthew (Laura), Kevin, Nick, Kelly and Garrett; and great-grandchildren Amelia and Andrew.
Services were held Friday at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Claremont.
He will be laid to rest in Hayward on Monday at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Celebration of Life at Scott’s Seafood from noon to 3 p.m. in Jack London Square in Oakland.
http://static.oaklandlocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Bob_Souza.jpg
He was 83.
A pioneer in the “business” of magical pyrotechnic aerial displays around the world, Robert Souza’s legacy could be traced to his grandfather Papagaio, who brought his fireworks from the Azores to the San Francisco Bay area in the early 1900s.
Jim Souza, president of Pyro Spectaculars, said his father’s death is a great loss.
“I learned at my father’s knee,” the younger Souza said.
“The torch will be passed and it’s our duty and responsibility to carry on with his vision.”
Jim Souza said that next year’s spectacular fireworks displays will be dedicated to his father.
Robert Souza spent the first 55 years of his life in Oakland. After graduating from Castlemont High School, he played professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals organization before marrying Shirley Perry and starting a family in Oakland.
He was employed by the Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. and worked as a sports referee, but his family tradition and a passion for fireworks led him to a full-time career in the pyrotechnic industry.
In 1974, he moved his family to Claremont, where the California Fireworks Display Co. became a prominent fireworks production company under his direction. Five years later, Robert started Pyro Spectaculars, a company that to this day is considered one of the premier fireworks production companies in the world.
Robert Souza will be remembered for his many contributions to the fireworks industry in the areas of safety, innovation, ethical business practices and leadership.
He also served as president of the American Pyrotechnics Association and received the Association’s highest recognition as a Milton Dropo Award winner.
“His death is really a loss to the whole fireworks industry,” said H.H. Hanson, executive assistant to Jim Souza.
“Robert Souza, through his warm smile and deep enthusiasm for life, friends and family, has influenced countless lives from around the world. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him,” Jim Souza said.
Robert Souza leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Shirley, and children Jim (Liann), Nancy (Ian Gilfillan) and Gary (Elizabeth); grandchildren Paul, Christopher (Melissa), Richard, Matthew (Laura), Kevin, Nick, Kelly and Garrett; and great-grandchildren Amelia and Andrew.
Services were held Friday at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Claremont.
He will be laid to rest in Hayward on Monday at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Celebration of Life at Scott’s Seafood from noon to 3 p.m. in Jack London Square in Oakland.
http://static.oaklandlocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Bob_Souza.jpg