Manuel Soares Bettencourt

Our beloved Manuel Soares Bettencourt, age 82, passed away peacefully at home on January 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Manuel heroically fought advanced-stage renal cell carcinoma for almost 22 years. We will be forever grateful to modern medicine and to the excellent doctors at both UCSF and Stanford for helping Manuel live his life fully for so many more unexpected years. This allowed him to continue his career as a real estate broker working with the clients he so enjoyed, to spend many more years participating as a member and Director of the Portuguese SFV Lodge, to take another highly anticipated trip to his beloved São Jorge, and to watch his grandchildren grow into their teenage years.

Manuel is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Filomena; his children, David Bettencourt (Pricilla) and Lucia Baldwin (Joe); and his grandchildren, Alexandra and Owen. He also embraced additional grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, whose company he greatly enjoyed.

Manuel is survived by his sisters, Maria do Carmo of São Jorge and Deolinda of Morgan Hill, and by his brother, Miguel of Watsonville. He is also survived by nieces and nephews who admired him. Manuel was preceded in death by his parents, José and Maria; his brother, João; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; several nephews-in-law, John, George, and Frank; and a great-nephew-in-law, Franco.

Dad (Grandpa), We know you’re in heaven watching over us, and enjoying a good Tourada à Corda! We will miss you forever!

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held immediately following the Committal Service at Home Eats (Formerly Fiorillo's), located at 638 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050, starting at 12:45 pm.