Michael Brandon DeSouza, 73, of Gramercy Park, New York, passed away on April 22, 2026.

Michael was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Rudolph and Joan DeSouza. He was the eldest of their children and their only son.

Michael’s childhood was filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Our extended family was large, and we grew up surrounded by relatives and the many dear friends our parents welcomed into our lives. Everyone knew Michael, and everyone loved him.

Michael was known for his artistic talent, his eye for design, his love of animals, his playful sense of humor, and his passion for theater and music. He approached nearly everything in life with colorful enthusiasm — especially his love for New York City, his family, the holidays, politics, celebrity culture, television, and sharing his opinion on just about anything.

Michael graduated from the High School of Music & Art and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts from the New York Institute of Technology. He later obtained a master’s degree from the School of Visual Arts.

After completing his education, Michael pursued creative work that allowed him to fully realize his talents. His credits included Art Direction for Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, The Ricki Lake Show, The Geraldo Rivera Show, The Pat Bullard Show, and Highland Productions, Inc. He was employed by Fabergé Inc. for ten years, where he served as Display Director for windows and trade shows.

Michael was a true go-getter who genuinely loved working. In addition to his full-time roles, he designed stage sets, including for Riverside Theater Co., and created displays for brands and companies including Elizabeth Arden, Lancôme Paris, Laura Geller, Henri Bendel, and Windsor Hotel Pharmacy.

Although Michael faced several health setbacks during his life, he still found joy in life’s everyday rituals: decorating his apartment, drawing and painting, keeping up with his favorite television shows, and staying engaged with politics.

Michael stayed deeply connected to those he loved and delighted in entertaining. Each year, he hosted Thanksgiving — one week late — an event affectionately known as “Un-Thanksgiving.” Friends returned faithfully, year after year, drawn by Michael’s warmth, humor, and unmistakable spirit.

The last three months were extremely difficult for Michael, but his family finds comfort in knowing he is finally at peace and free from pain.

Michael is survived by his sisters, Paula DeSouza and Jill DeSouza Williams, and Jill’s family — her husband, Victor Williams; her daughters, Amanda Williams and Jenna Williams Smith; her son-in-law, William Smith; and her grandchildren, Liyana and Joni Smith.

For those who wish to honor Michael’s memory, donations may be made to NYU Langone in support of continued research and compassionate patient care.

http://giving.nyulangone.org/goto/InMemoryofMichaelDeSouza

Flowers are also welcome.