Manuel  Santos Machado, 81, of Gilroy, passed away peacefully at home on March 28, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Rosa P. Machado. His daughters, Ilda (Russ) Rinfret, of Gilroy. and Lena  (Darrell, deceased) Mayfield, of Scotts Valley. Grandchildren James and Jonathan Rinfret of Gilroy and Michelle and Nicholas Mayfield of Scotts Valley. Siblings, Joao Machado, Maria Alcorta and Tome Machado. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, sister-in -laws, brother-in -laws, and god-daughters.

Manuel, a Portuguese immigrant, came to Gilroy in 1970 with his wife and two daughters from the island of  Piedade, Pico, Azores  for a better life.   He was sponsored  by his sister Maria.  With the help of  relatives  getting them settled and helping him find employment,  he was employed at Simonsen Laboratories  for 25 years as a laboratory technician. During this time he learned English and passed his citizenship test. He and his family became American citizens in the bicentennial  year of 1976 as well as achieving the American dream of home ownership.  Not one to slow down Manuel and Rosa started their own janitorial service in the south county until their retirement all the while having "saudades" to go back to Pico. He loved his work and took pride in every job he did. Their hard work and his desire to go back  came true and they went  for many years overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at their summer home. Manuel loved to learn and build things. He designed and built an elaborate  Koi pond that has a sophisticated filtration  system, electrical,  and the island of Pico  that he  made out of cement in the center  of the pond lifted by pillars. It has tiny homes,  towns, churches, lighthouse  and much more to reflect the island.  Over the years he enjoyed working on home projects and tending to his vegetable gardens and fruit trees. He even made wine from his grapes. Manuel loved taking care of his cymbidium orchids, all types of music, watching Portuguese soccer games, and the San Francisco Giants. He also looked forward to family gatherings and organized a family reunion at their home.

We want to thank Kaiser Hospice for his care after having a second stroke that he was unable to fully  recover from and are extremely grateful for family, friends, and his caregivers. Manuel continued to have his sense of humor right up to the final days which was comforting.

Due to our current restrictions, Manuel's service will be private.  He will be laid to rest at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers,  when it is appropriate,   please give a loved one, friend, or neighbor a hug in his memory.