Manuel passed away February 18, 2012 at age 86 peacefully surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his wife Dolores, son Bobby (MJ) and Lester (Darcy) daughter Tarasa "Penny" Bettencourt. Brothers John, Frank (Evelyn), Louis (Mary) and sister Mary (Art) Escobar. Proceeded in death by his son Manuel Jr, grandson Dustin, brothers Filbert, Tony, Joe, and Edward. Manuel loved life, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
He grew up in Alviso California, raised by John (Rose) Bettencourt who were Portuguese immigrants from the Azores. He decided milking cows on his father's dairy wasn't for him so he bought his first commercial truck a 1942 Dodge. He spent the next sixty-six years as owner/operator of Bettencourt and Son Trucking.
Manuel was proud to be Portuguese he was a member of I.F.D.E.S, D.E.S, and S.E.S. His life was filled with many adventures which made him the man he was. No words can express how much he will be missed by his family and friends.

Visitation Sunday, February 26, 2012 from 12:00 Noon to 8:00PM at Habing Family Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass Monday, February 27, 2012 – 1:00 PM at St. Mary's Church, Gilroy with viewing at 12:00 noon.