Robert B. Souza

Robert “Bob” B. Souza, 83, of the Town of Oppenheim, New York, passed away on Tuesday evening, March 31, 2026 at his home with his family by his side.

He was born on October 27, 1942 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts and was the son of the late, Manuel and Anne (Eskow) Souza. Bob was educated at Dartmouth High School and graduated with the Class of 1961.

In 1989, Bob met his life-partner, Roylene Claus and the couple shared the last 37 years together. Throughout the years, they blended their two families together that shared their love for one another.

In his younger years, Bob worked on his uncle’s dairy farm called Dutch Belt Dairy in Massachusetts and peddled milk from door to door. Bob moved to Oppenheim in 1973 to own and operate Su-BREEZE Farm for the last 53 years. He dedicated his life to his farm, cows and working the land along side his family.

Bob was a life member and on the Board of Directors at the Oppenheim Trailblazers Snowmobile Club, Board of Directors of the Fulton County Soil and Water, Board of Directors for the Producers Co-Op, and a Board Member of the Farm Service Agency for the last 17 years. He enjoyed snowmobiling and hunting. A dedicated farmer, family man, loving partner, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor and friend, Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his life-partner and companion, Roylene Claus at home; his children, Kevin Souza and his wife, Heather of St. Johnsville, NY, Bobby Souza and his wife, Dawn of Watervliet, NY, Cheryl LaQuay and her husband, Bruce of Oppenheim, NY, Karen Grygiel and her husband, Doug of Zebulon, NC; Daniel Claus and his wife, Sarah of Salisbury, NY and Chad Claus of Oppenheim, NY; grandchildren, Colton Souza, Lane Claus and his wife, Jackie, Brandon Souza and his wife, Sarah, Logan Souza, Stephanie Hisert and her husband, James, Courtney Wheaton, Tehya Snowman and her husband, Chris, Aasin Claus and Addison Claus; great-grandchildren, Landon Hisert and Lacey Hisert, Weston Wheaton, Grayson Souza, Brynleigh Snowman, Emma Snowman and Jaycee Snowman; several nieces and nephews; and many extended members of the Souza Family; and special friends who are like family, Matt and Bobby Bly.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, a sister, Judith Morrill and his grandson-in-law, Todd Wheaton.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at locally owned and family operated, Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329, Cremations and Funerals. A funeral service will be held immediately following calling hours at 12:30 p.m. also at the funeral home with Pastor Chris Wintermute officiating. Procession will follow to Ephratah Rural Cemetery for committal prayers and where he will be laid to rest. 

Immediately following the graveside service, the family will host a Celebration of Life Reception at the Oppenheim Trailblazers Snowmobile Club. All are welcome to attend. 

Please consider memorial contributions for the Oppenheim Trailblazers Snowmobile Club, 242 Crystal Lake Road, Stratford, New York 13470 or Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, New York 12078 or visit https://mvhcares.org/get-involved/donate-online/ to donate online. Please write in your check memo, “In Memory of Robert B. Souza” in order for the gift to be properly acknowledged.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Souza and Claus Families, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for his online memory book. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert B. Souza, please visit our floral store.