John Joseph de Bettencourt Sr.

John “Jack” de Bettencourt Sr. entered into rest on May 22, 2022 in Manteca, California. He was 86 years old. Jack was born in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts on April 8, 1936 to  William N. de Bettencourt and Mary M. Connor de Bettencourt. After graduating from Boston College High School he continued his education at Boston College before joining the U.S. Army in 1957. Jack became a language specialist and studied Russian at the Army Language School in Monterey, California. In addition to Russian, he spoke six other languages. In 1960, while serving overseas in Germany he met the love of his life Edel. They were married on February 24, 1962 in Coburg, Germany. After serving 6 years in the military, Jack was honorably discharged in 1963 as a Sergeant.

Following the military, he made the journey from Massachusetts to California in his treasured 1963 VW Bus with his wife Edel.  It was there that they found their forever home in San Lorenzo. Jack had various jobs including the Dole Plant in Oakland California and an owning partner of two Fish & Chips Restaurants. He eventually discovered his passion and became a machinist. He was a smart, innovative man who thought outside the box to always find a solution. His keen eye, determination and intelligence lead him to a very successful career as a machinist. After 40+ years in the trade he retired from Parker & Hannifin in 2004.

Jack was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in San Lorenzo. He was an avid Oakland A’s and Golden State Warriors fan. He had a great love for animals, vegetable gardening, collecting Hummel Figurines, Sudoku, word searches and he enjoyed relaxing in the sunshine listening to the birds and wind chimes. He was a “Jack of all trades” he loved tinkering in the garage and could fix just about anything. Jack came across as a quiet man but could actually be quite the talker once he got to know you. He loved to reminiscence about his favorite childhood memories growing up with his siblings on Martha’s Vineyard.

He was a humble man who was always willing to help anyone in need. Jack had an impeccable work ethic; he lived by the words: “If you are going to do something, do it right or do not bother doing it at all.”  He was dedicated to his family and loved his children, grand-children, and great-granddaughter. He always provided for his family and taught his children and grandchildren about; integrity, family values and how to be a kind, honest person. Jack will be remembered as a loyal family man who loved unconditionally. He will be sorely missed.  

Jack is survived by his wife Edel de Bettencourt and their three children: Susanne Homen and her husband Mike of Gold Canyon, AZ,  John de Bettencourt Jr. and his wife Sara of Winchester, TN,  Christine Duran and her husband Charles of Manteca, CA; five grandchildren: Andrea Salazar, David Salazar, C.J. Duran, Shelby de Bettencourt, Savannah de Bettencourt; one great-grandchild Esmii Guerrero; his sisters Eileen Tierney of Connecticut, Theresa Veinotte of Florida, and Kathleen de Bettencourt of Vermont.

Jack was predeceased by his siblings William (Billy), Anne, Gerald, William N. Jr. (Bink), Rosemary, Maureen and Tom.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his name to The Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer's Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease

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