Manuel was born on May 3, 1935 at home on the family farm in Laton, California. He was the eldest son of Josephine Constance Nunes and Manuel L. Borges Sr. Manuel and his siblings; Joe(D), George(D), Elmer, Tony, Maria Vienna(D), John(D), Marlene (Gomes), Judy (Vargas) and Daniel(D) grew up with a deep appreciation for their Portuguese heritage.
Manuel participated in several Holy Ghost celebration parades. He continued to serve as a volunteer throughout the years in the kitchens and distributing hot pans of sopas. These gatherings were a source of great pride to him.
Manuel overcame many obstacles in his life. He became profoundly deaf at the age of three. His family developed their own signs to communicate which became his own unique language. This did not stop Manuel from making friends wherever he went! He loved to pull pranks and had a great sense of humor.
In 1966 he married the love of his life Mary M. Costa. They were inseparable for over 53 years. Together they enjoyed bowling, attending church, gardening, dancing and trips to Morro Bay. Faith, work and raising their two daughters; Mary and Victoria were the focus of their lives. His greatest joy was being a grandfather. Manuel got a thrill out of giving grandchildren rides on his lawnmower and making “Vovo papas” for breakfast. He attended softball games and school performances without fail. You could always find him and his wife Mary in the front row applauding.
Manuel had a strong work ethic. He won awards for the quality of milk he processed as a milker. The majority of his career was at two places, Jack Grimes Dairy in Laton, California and Manuel Rose Dairy in Hanford, California. Animals were drawn to his kind and compassionate nature. He trained dogs, cats, cockatiels and parakeets plus raised doves as hobbies. Woodworking was a passion of his. He would design an item then head out to the shed to create it. Most recently, he assembled colorful works of art out of beads that he patiently placed one at a time. Those crosses, hearts and other designs were given to family, friends and caregivers. Manuel made over one hundred art pieces during the time that his living community was closed due to Covid-19.
Visitation & Rosary for Manuel will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at People's Funeral Chapel, 501 North Douty Street, Hanford, California 93230; Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 12:30 pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 10435 Hanford-Armona Rd, Hanford, California 93230; Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, 11680 S 10th Ave, Hanford, California 93230.
Serving as pallbearers are Joseph Castro, Isaac Castro, Tim Stevens, Robert Stevens, Joe Gingles and Nico Haro.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com for the Borges family.
