Joe Lewis Bettencourt returned to his heavenly home on August 21, 2023 at the age of 91. Joe was born in Tulare, California on October 10, 1931 to parents Manuel and Albertina Bettencourt as the third child of six children. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Joe’s life was built around faith, family, and farming. He was a hard worker with an infectious smile and larger than life voice that everyone knew and loved.
While attending a Portuguese celebration, Joe met Lorraine (Gomes) in 1947, and they were married in June of 1951. They lived in Whittier, California where they had a dairy, and welcome their first three children in to the world. After seven years, they sold the dairy and moved back to the central valley where they bought a small farm in Visalia, California. They then welcomed their last three children in to the family.
Along with farming, Joe enjoyed traveling to places with family and friends that included a Cabo San Lucas, Mexico fishing trip, a Cabo Mexican cruise, and a trip to the Azores to explore the land his parents came from. Every year in August, Joe and his family would attend the Pismo Portuguese Celebration where they celebrated their heritage. You could also find Joe on the pier fishing with family and friends or in the ocean clamming. Joe’s family grew with the addition of eleven grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren.
Joe was a proud member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus - Pismo Beach, P.P.A.V., Luso American, and Moose Lodge - Pismo Beach.
Joe is preceded in death by his first born son, Joey Bettencourt, his parents Manuel and Albertina Bettencourt, his siblings; Manuel Bettencourt Jr, Lorraine Clarot, and Lucille McCurry.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Lorraine, his children; Lynne (Steve) Lawrence, Karen (Frank) Costa, Keith (Barbara) Bettencourt, Kevin (Tammy) Bettencourt, Karlene (Earl) Story and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, godchildren, his sisters; Roby Aguilar and Judy Elgin, sister-in-laws; Rita Bettencourt, Evelyn Sa, and brother-in-law, Dick (Betty) Gomes, and many nieces and nephews.
The Bettencourt family would like to thank Mary Perez, Yolanda Olivera, Mary Angeles, Karen Craig, and Lindsay Gardens for their loving care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to the Church or charity of your choice.
