In Loving Memory of Manuel da Silva Bettencourt

Manuel Bettencourt, age 83, of Peabody, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2023, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, surrounded by his family.

He was born on December 8, 1939, in the southern village of Luz on Portugal's Azorean Island of Graciosa. Manny was known for being hardworking, handy, and creative. He was educated in Graciosa until he came of age to work on the family farm full-time before joining the Portuguese Armed Forces. After his military service, he worked as a tax assessor and later a postal worker before immigrating to the United States with his family in April of 1966. He worked in Peabody's leather industry for years before being employed by the Peabody Public Service Department as a member of the Water and Sewer Division until his retirement in 2003.

His friendships, conversations, and generosity will be sorely missed by all who knew him well. Manny was an avid model maker, tinkerer, and gardener. He found great joy and satisfaction in mounting his Christmas Village display, showcasing his creativity by displaying scenes from his childhood and the present day with miniatures he built and crafted himself. Manuel loved spending time with friends and family and traveling abroad with his beloved wife and companion, Diane.

He is survived by his loving wife of twenty-four years, Diane Bettencourt; his former wife, Teresina Bettencourt; their daughter, Maria Theresa Barcamonte; son-in-law, Valter Barcamonte; his sister, Maria T. Vasconcelos, his nephews, nieces and grandnieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Jose and Madalena Bettencourt, and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.

As per his final wishes, there was a private viewing at Murphy Funeral Home in Salem, Massachusetts, for the immediate family.  His body will be cremated, and a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 9:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish (1 Margin St, Peabody).  After his memorial service, his ashes will be interred at Saint Mary Cemetery in Salem.

"He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the stories and memories shared by his loved ones."