Manuel DeCosta

Manuel DeCosta, born on January 30, 1933 in Terceira, Azores, went to be with the Lord on August 10, 2019 in Stockton, California. He is preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Leonor DaCosta and his brother, Joe Martin. He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 59 years, Dorothy, and their two son’s Rick (Tami) DeCosta and Ron (Regena) DeCosta both of Manteca. He will be missed by his grandchildren LeeAnne (Johnny) Cardoza of Manteca, Karyn (AJ) Forestiere  of Madera and Adam (Megan) DeCosta of Fresno. He had one adorable great grandson, Luke. He is also survived by his sister, Maria Ferreira of Folsom and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Manuel grew up in the Azores and served two years in the military before coming to the United States in 1958. He worked on a dairy farm in Half Moon Bay and later for Alfred Ornellas Dairy for 7 years. In 1960, Manuel met and married, Dorothy. Together they had two boys and bought a ranch. Working side by side, Manuel and Dorothy worked tirelessly on their ranch. Manuel also began a 35 year career at Franzia Brothers Winery where he received several awards for his outstanding work ethic, including “Outstanding Employee of the Year.” Manuel’s hobby was “working hard.” It was very hard to keep him down. His work and his family were his life. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church for close to 60 years. He was quiet and laid back and when he wasn’t working, he enjoyed watching the news. Manuel will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Rosary will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at 9:30 am at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home.  A Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at 11:00am at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 505 E. North Street, Manteca, California. Burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. An online guestbook is available at www.plfryandson.com.

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