José Guilherme Bettencourt, age 62, of Turlock, California, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025. José was born in Santo Antão, São Jorge, Açores, to Maria Lurdes Alves and José Augusto Bettencourt.
José spent much of his life working on dairies and with animals, an area where he truly thrived. Growing up in the Azores, he developed a love for working with animals, and throughout his life, he carried that passion into his work. Whether tending to livestock on local dairies or raising animals at home, José had a natural ability to care for and nurture them. He found peace in the simple rhythm of working with the land and animals, and it was an integral part of who he was.
In addition to his love for animals, José was a proud participant in the bode de lates, a traditional Azorean event that involves the community gathering to honor and celebrate the culture through music, food, and the marking of milestones. His participation in these lively celebrations was just one way José enjoyed connecting with his roots and sharing joy with others.
José was also known for socializing and spending time with family and friends. His time spent gardening—growing vegetables from his hometown in São Jorge, Açores—was another source of pride. He took great care in cultivating plants that reminded him of home, sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends.
José is survived by his mother, Maria Lurdes Alves; his sisters Maria Victoria Azevedo, Maria Fatima Teixeira, Ana Maria Brasil (John), Maria Judite Bettencourt, Maria Manuela Bettencourt, Trinity Maria Lemos (Luis), and Angela Maria Ourique; his brothers Manuel Duarte Bettencourt, Clemente Manuel Bettencourt, Angelo Alves Bettencourt, Heduino Baltazar Bettencourt, and Jaime Alcino Bettencourt. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
José was preceded in death by his father, José Augusto Bettencourt, his brother, Antonio Esidro Bettencourt, his niece Sara Leana Ourique and his nephew Leandro Bettencourt.
A visitation for José will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service, 286 West Main, Turlock, CA 95380. A recitation of the rosary and funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 2602 S Walnut Rd, Turlock, CA 95380. A committal service will follow at North Hilmar Cemetery, 8710 Tegner Rd, Hilmar, CA 95324.
Serving as pallbearers are Heduino Bettencourt, Jaime Bettencourt, Clemente Bettencourt, Angelo Bettencourt, Tony Bettencourt and Carlos Ourique.
