Manuel D. Bettencourt, Sr. October 29, 1929 - March 14, 2023

Manuel David Bettencourt was born at home on Tuesday, October 29, 1929 and left us to heaven from his home on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at the age of 93.  Manuel was born and raised on Kansas Ave in Modesto, CA to John and Lucinda (Sousa) Bettencourt. He was one of eight children.  His family milked Holstein cows, raised corn, hay and beans.  He shared many stories of milking in the barn, chopping hay and getting it in before the rain came and heading into town with his Dad for church or a festa.

Manuel bravely enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a Radioman in the Korean War. After returning safely from the war, Manuel met and married Antonette Marie Sai on April 12, 1953. Manuel’s passing came just one month shy of their 70^th Wedding Anniversary.  Together they raised five children.

Manuel followed in his father’s footsteps of having a dairy in Turlock, CA.  After the dairy business didn’t make sense for them anymore, Manuel started his next chapter of driving feed truck for Merrill’s Milling and then Associated Feed where he retired after nearly 25 years.  Manuel loved to spend his time driving the countryside, reminiscing, and sharing memories along the way.  His ability to recall details was that of a historian and true storyteller.  Manuel loved playing board games with his grandchildren, showing off the many meticulous picture books he kept, sharing his tractor collection with anyone who came over and in the recent years could be found giving his great-grandchildren rides on his walker.   Manuel’s life was a gift.

Manuel is survived by his loving wife Ann, who cared for him until the end, his sister Inez Gomes, brother Alfred (Tina) Bettencourt, his children Teresa Lawson, Manuel (Jill) Bettencourt, Lucinda Piatt, and David (Kim) Bettencourt, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings John Bettencourt, Mary Gonsalves, Rosie Silva, Rita Borba, Edward Bettencourt, and his loving son Albert.

The viewing will be from 4-6pm, on Tuesday, March 21 at Allen Mortuary, with Rosary following at 6pm.  Funeral mass will be Wednesday, March 22 at 10am at Sacred Heart Church in Turlock, followed by a graveside service at Lakewood Cemetery in Hughson.  A reception will be held after the graveside service at West Fork Estates Community Clubhouse located at 500 N. Tully Rd. Turlock.