Mario Jesus Soza

Mario Jesus Soza of Saginaw, Michigan,

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend passed unexpectedly with his family by his side on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at Samaritas Senior Living of Saginaw. He was 73 years old. Mario Jesus Soza was born on January 19, 1949, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Daniel C. and Simona (Guzman) Soza. He was a 1967 graduate St. Joseph High School. Following graduation, Mario attended Delta College and Michigan State University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Art’s in Sociology from Saginaw Valley State University 30 years later. He met the love of his life, Rosalinda Garcia, while working at Tri-City SER. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage November 15, 1975. Mario worked as a job developer for Tri-City SER and later for the City of Saginaw where he held many roles and eventually retiring in 2003 as administrator at Saginaw Housing Commission with over 20 years of loyal and dedicated service. He was a longtime and faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as eucharistic minister, a part of the cursillo movement, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Throughout his life he believed in serving people and community activism and demonstrated this as a member of the Brown Berets, METCHA of MSU, and a founding member of El Teatro Cultural all while at Michigan State University. He was also an avid supporter of the Chicano Movement working to support Caesar Chavez and United Farm Workers. He enjoyed playing basketball and became an organizer of basketball events at First Ward Community Center. Mario also enjoyed shooting pool, playing Euchre, and patronizing the YMCA of Saginaw. Above all, he treasured and cherished his family. Mario left his memorable mark on this world through his kindness, his soft-spoken gentle soul, and for his activism and selflessness to any person or cause true to his heart.

Surviving are his loving wife of 46 years, Rosalinda Soza of Saginaw; two daughters and one son, Angela Rodriguez of Bay City; Christina Vasquez (Will Darby) of Saginaw; Mario G. Soza II of Saginaw; five grandchildren: Alexus Becerril (David Schmidt), Alexander Becerril, Javi Vasquez, Maya Vasquez, Angelina Rodriguez; great-granddaughter, Caroline Schmidt. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Soza Jr.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. Sixth Street. Rev. Fr. Francis Voris, OFM Cap will officiate. Rite of committal will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road, on Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the Rosary prayed at 6:30 p.m. and Vigil Service taking place at 7:00 p.m. Mario will lie in state at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the YMCA of Saginaw. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.