Salem …….


Joseph Cunha Veiga Bettencourt, age 69, loving husband for 46 years of Karen (Felton) Bettencourt, of Zephyrhills, FL, formerly of Salem, died unexpectedly while visiting the family village he was born in on the island of Graciosa, Azores, Portugal.


The son of the late Olinto Bettencourt and the late Maria da Cunha Veiga Bettencourt his family came to the United States, settling in Peabody when Mr. Bettencourt was 14 years old. Educated in Peabody schools, Mr. Bettencourt worked in Peabody's leather industry as a young man. He later became a machinist and was employed by Integra Industries for many years until retiring in December of 2007.


Five years ago his wife planned a surprise trip to Graciosa for Mr. Bettencourt, which was his first visit since leaving as a boy. Since then it has been an annual visit.


Following his retirement, he and his wife relocated to Zephyrhills, Florida .


Mr. Bettencourt loved his family, being around his home and tending to his gardens. His quiet caring ways and his wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all.


Mr. Bettencourt is survived by four children, Celeste Anne Bettencourt and her husband Yosef Ketema of Medford, Patti-Jo Rogers and her husband Dean of Derry, NH, David Joseph Bettencourt of Plymouth, MA and Jason Scott Bettencourt of Salem; four grandchildren Tyla, Michael, and Shayna Rogers and Garbriella Ketema; one sister Mary Celeste Mello and several nieces and nephews.


His funeral will be held on Friday at 9:15 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (corner of North St ) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. in St. Thomas the Apostle Church on the Salem Peabody Line. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Thursday from 4 to 8 P.M. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. For online guest book or additional information please visit call 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.