Januario Meneses

Januario Mancebo Meneses, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 10, 2024, in Manteca. He was born in Terceira, Azores and was the 7th child of 8 children to the late Mr. and Mrs. Jose and Jeronima Meneses on October 7, 1939.

To avoid fighting in the Angola War, Januario at the tender age of 17 was sent by his parents to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to live with his 3 older brothers. While there he became part-owner in a cafe-bar and six years later sold his share to move to the United States because the only thing on his mind was a 13-year-old beauty he hasn’t seen since leaving his homeland. In November 1962, Januario moved to the United States and 3 months later, married his beauty, the love of his life, Zita Rocha in Hayward, California. Soon after, the couple moved to Manteca, California where they went to work for Januario’s uncle, Antonio Mancebo who owned a dairy farm and would later become his partner. Together they built the dairy business, J. Meneses & Sons, and raised their 6 children.

A devout Catholic, Januario was a member of St. Anthony’s Church. He worked tirelessly for the several organizations he was involved; Manteca Ripon Pentecost Society (MRPS), where he served as a 3-term president. Our Lady of Fatima, Sacramento, also a past president, LUSO and member of Portuguese Fraternal Society of America (PFSA) and SES. He enjoyed 49er games and attending his children’s many sports and school activities as they were growing up. Januario’s unwavering strength and generosity towards others never went unnoticed. A selfless man, he knew no strangers. He was often referred to as a gentle giant being he stood 6’1’’ with a muscular build that was acquired by not that of a gym, but of many long days and hours spent on the dairy farm. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

 Januario leaves behind his devoted wife of 61 years, Zita Rocha Meneses: children Zita Machado (John), Jan Meneses (Lisa), David Meneses (Traci), Mario Meneses (Robin), Danny Meneses (Stacey), and Julie Dias (Jon). He was blessed with 10 grandchildren: John Jr., Alexxandria, Anthony, Dylan, Matthew, Weston, Tyge, Dani, Luke and Bryce as well as 4 great-grandchildren.

 P.L. Fry and Son is honored to be serving the Meneses family. A Visitation will be Monday April 22, 2024, 4pm – 6pm, Rosary at 6pm held at PL Fry & Son 290 N. Union Rd., Manteca, Ca. Mass will be Tuesday April 23, 2024 at 11:00 am held at St. Anthonys Catholic Church 525 E. North St. Manteca, Ca. He will be laid to rest at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. For direct condolences to the family visit www.plfryandson.com search tributes for Januario Meneses.

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