António de Sousa Bettencourt, former Vice Consul of Portugal in San Francisco, died on March 5, 2021, in San Jose, California at the age of 96. Born in Rabo de Peixe, São Miguel, Azores, he was the son of Jose and Maria da Glória de Sousa Bettencourt. António was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn Cofell, his brothers, José, Manuel and Domingos, and sisters Guiomar and Silvana.
While he was attending Liceu Nacional in Ponta Delgada, António moved with his family to Lisbon where he completed high school and technical school before being employed by the department planning the Port of Sines, Portugal. At the invitation of the Perry family of Sunnyvale, António came to the United States and enrolled at the Fremont Union High School in June 1948. After graduation, he enrolled at San Jose State to major in political science.
Upon completion of his college studies, António joined the staff of the Portuguese Consulate in San Francisco in October 1958, and was later promoted to Vice Consul of Portugal in San Francisco. While he served in this position, he distinguished himself as an efficient and caring member of that institution. Always a gentleman, he was well known for his kindness towards all and a limitless determination to serve the Portuguese community of California.
He was recognized by the Portuguese government for his many years of outstanding service with the Comenda de Mérito. He retired as Vice Consul in 1994.
António S. Bettencourt will be sorely missed by his sister-in-law, Myrna Cofell, and nephews and nieces - Charles, Ronald, Anne Marie, Teresa, Lori, Wanyce, Douglas, David and Daniel – and his many friends. He will live in our hearts forever.
Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held Thursday March 25th at 10:30 AM at the Five Wounds Portuguese National Church in San Jose. Due to the Covid19 pandemic, attendance is at your sole discretion.
The private burial will take place at Cemitério do Lumiar, Lisbon, Portugal, next to his mother.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of Willow Glen Funeral Home, 1039 Lincoln Ave, San José.
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