David Richard Souda

SHREWSBURY – David Richard Souda, 60, of Shrewsbury, was tragically and unexpectedly taken from us on October 2nd, 2026.

David was born on March 17th in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Charles and Margaret (Carlson) Souda. He grew up in Shrewsbury and attended Worcester Boys Trade and Shrewsbury High School.

David’s childhood was typical of any accident-prone boy. If there was a bone to break, he made sure he broke it. As he got older, he worked a variety of jobs before ultimately finding his calling as a carpenter. David was an incredibly talented craftsman who could build just about anything you asked of him. From a throne for his daughter Paige’s Sweet 16 to a pool house for a customer, nothing was too big or too small. He was a perfectionist when it came to his work. Every cut was spot on.

David married Chantale (Peters) in 1996. They went on to have their daughter, Paige, in 2001. She was the absolute light of David’s life, and he spoiled her at every given opportunity. David was immensely proud of Paige and her accomplishments, always bragging to anyone who would listen about his smart, talented, and beautiful daughter.

In 2012, David met Courtney, and what started as a new relationship quickly became a life together. Within just a few short months, they had moved in together at Courtney’s home in Sturbridge. Seven years later, on December 31, 2019, they were married. Over the years, they moved around a bit before eventually finding their way back to David’s hometown of Shrewsbury in 2023, where they built a home and a life together.

Their life together was never quiet or ordinary. Between the two of them, they somehow accumulated what could only be described as a “farm” of animals. Cooper, Daytona, Boomer, Meeko, Frank, DiNozzo, and Riggs. All of whom David loved fiercely and spoiled endlessly. Their home was filled with animals, laughter, sarcasm, friends, family, and more than a little chaos.

David was Courtney’s husband, best friend, partner, and the person she expected to grow old with. He was the man who was there for the everyday moments, the quiet nights at home, the trips to classic car shows, the weekends with the dogs, the football games, the family gatherings, and all the little pieces of life in between. David had a way of making even ordinary moments memorable simply by being himself.

Their time together was far too short, and Courtney will forever wish they had been given more time. But she is grateful for every year, every memory, every laugh, every argument, every adventure, and every ordinary day they shared. She will carry David’s love with her for the rest of her life.

David loved spending time with Paige. He especially cherished when she would call him on her lunch breaks or while sitting in traffic on her way home from work, even if it was just to complain, he would pick up the phone no matter if he was working on a roof or in a trench. He also enjoyed spending time with Courtney and their gaggle of beloved pets, playing frisbee with his uncle and cousins, and watching the Pats. He loved being around friends and family and was always the highlight at a gathering.

David had an absolute heart of gold. He was always the first to offer help to friends and was genuinely loved by everyone he met. He was a hard worker and was so very talented. To know David was to love him. The loss felt by everyone that knew David for any length of time is profound. There is no replacement for his laugh, his sarcastic wit, and his smile. There truly was no finer man than David.

He was a devoted and loving father, an amazing husband who always provided, and a doting son. The hole left with David gone is not something that will ever be filled, but the memories of him are so amazing that we are lucky to have known and been loved by him. To have known David was a gift, and to have been loved by him was an even greater one.

David will be forever loved and deeply missed by his devoted wife, Courtney Bliss-Souda; his daughter, Paige Souda, and her boyfriend, Matthew Jordan; his parents, Charles and Margaret Souda; his brother, Mark Souda, and his wife, Dawn; his sister, Helen Cardosi, and her husband, Steve; his nephews, Cameron Souda, Brandon Galimberti, Owen Cardosi, and Eli Cardosi; his closest cousins, Max Souda, and Carey Souda and his wife, Miranda; his closest aunts, Sheila Quirion, Phyllis Panarelli and Linnea Mazejka; his closest uncle, Henry Souda; his former wife Chantale Souda; his former mother-in-law Estelle Peters; his brother-in-law, Cody Bliss, his grandmother-in-law, Eleanor Bliss; his father-in-law, William Bliss; his beloved pets, DiNozzo, Riggs and Meeko; and his grand-dogs, Bandit and Finley; and many other beloved family members and friends.

David was predeceased by many loved ones including his godfather Joe Panarelli, and his former father-in-law Ernest Peters.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, October 14, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, October 15, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor David’s memory by donating to the Veterinary Emergency Group at https://veterinarycarefoundation.org/veterinary-practice-donation/

Funeral arrangements are under the care of C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm Street, Danvers; and Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.