Manuel Bento Bettencourt
April 16, 1944 – October 17, 2025

Vacaville, CA

Manuel Bento Bettencourt was born on April 16, 1944, in Norte Pequeno, São Jorge, Azores, Portugal to Filomena Clementina and Jacinto Bettencourt. He passed away on the morning of October 17 ^th surrounded by family in Vacaville. He was a honest, kind, and devoted man. He was a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Manuel was one of fourteen children, twelve, who survived. From 1965 to 1967, he proudly served in the Portuguese military in Angola, Africa. After completing his service, he returned to São Jorge and worked as a nurse at the hospital in Velas from 1967 to 1973.

In 1973 he immigrated to the United States with his first wife. The couple spent their first few months in Merced before moving to Manteca. In August of 1974 the couple welcomed their son Emanuel. In 1977 the young family moved to San Jose, CA. Manuel dedicated his career to the construction industry, where he was respected for his skills as a drywall finisher.

In 1985 Manuel and Emanuel moved to Vacaville to begin a new chapter in their lives. In the spring of 1988 Manuel met his life partner, Albertina. They were married just a few months later in July of 1988. This union introduced six more adult children; Floriberto Fagundes (Barbara), Maria Dinis (Jorge), Laurindo Fagundes (Caroline), Zilda Bosch, Domitilia Fagundes and Pedro Fagundes (Vanessa). Together with Emanuel (Desiray), the couple shared seven children. Emanuel would have two daughters, Aneka and Maddisen. In total, Manuel had 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Manuel was by Albertina's side until the day she passed in November of 2023. Albertina had suffered from Alzheimer's for several years and Manuel was her caregiver. Prior to Albertina's illness, the couple enjoyed spending summers in their beloved islands of Terceira and São Jorge, Azores. Here in the US, they enjoyed camping with family or with friends at various festas throughout California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, José Jacinto Bettencourt and Filomena Clementina Bettencourt; his beloved wife of 35 years, Albertina; his brother, Aníbal Bettencourt; and his sister, Gilda Bettencourt.

Manuel is survived by his siblings:

· Merces (the late João) Silveira of Norte Pequeno, São Jorge

· Daniel (the late Rosa) Bettencourt of Calheta, São Jorge

· Maria Felicidade Bettencourt of Rome, Italy

· Virgínia (Luís) Brasil of Ribeirinha, Faial

· Humberto (Lourdes) Bettencourt of Urzelina, São Jorge

· Feliciano (Berta) Bettencourt of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel

· Clarinda (the late João) Da Rosa of Turlock, California

· Lubélia (Manuel) De Sousa of Turlock, California

· Leocádia (João) Silveira of Urzelina, São Jorge

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lúcia Bettencourt of Santo António, São Jorge, along with many beloved godchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Manuel will be remembered for his integrity, kindness and devotion to his family and friends. His gentle spirit and warm smile will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral Services

Viewing: November 5, 2025, 10:00–11:00 A.M. at Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home, 524 Elmira Road, Vacaville, CA.

Rosary: November 5, 2025, 11:30 A.M. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1791 Marshall Road, Vacaville, CA.

Mass of Christian Burial: Immediately following the Rosary, at 12:00 P.M. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Graveside Service: To follow the Mass, at Vacaville Elmira Cemetery, 522 Elmira Road, Vacaville, CA.

Serving as pallbearers are:

Alvaro De Sousa

Dennis Da Rosa

Jonathan Fagundes

Michael Dinis

Jose Dias

Julian Fagundes