Manuel Azevedo, Jr, 97, known to most as “Jr” of Gustine passed peacefully at home, per his wishes on Sunday, December 24, 2023.
Mr. Azevedo was born in Gustine to parents Manuel Azevedo, Sr., and Lenora Cardoza Azevedo and was a long-life resident of Gustine. Together with his wife Norma they owned and operated Azevedo Hardware Store for 25 years, he also owned and operated Freelance Aviation. JR enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 23, 1944. He was a Seaman First Class. This is where he learned his lifelong love of aviation. JR loved being a pilot, teaching others to fly, fishing, ski sports, hunting, and enjoyed many trips and adventures with family and friends. His love and laughter will be greatly missed.
He married the love of his life, Normamae Meta Jensen Azevedo on September 14, 1946, and together they raised two wonderful children, Guy and Debra. They were affectionately known as GiGi and Papa to their grandchildren and great grand grandchildren. They were married for 60 years until Norma’s passing on September 28, 2006. After a few years alone, JR found love for a second time with Mary Ford, and the two married in 2008 on Valentine’s Day. On September 2, 2012, JR’s only daughter, Debra, passed away, and sadly a few years later, his second wife Mary passed away on September 28, 2014.
Mr. Azevedo is survived by his son, Guy (Debbie) Azevedo; grandchildren Robyn (Fred) Farris, Randi (Patrick) Bartelmie, Kara Robinson, and Shane Azevedo; great grandchildren, Kolton, Klay, and Haleigh Farris, Rowan and Heath Bartelmie, Tilar Brooks and Tarin Neuenschwander; great great-grandson, John Matthew Brooks. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ford Azevedo; daughter, Debra Gail Azevedo; 1st wife, Norma Mae Jensen Azevedo; parents Manuel and Lenora Azevedo.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by a Rosary at 6:00 pm, Friday, January 12th at Hillview Funeral Chapel in Gustine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 am, Saturday, January 13th, at Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles in Gustine. Interment to follow at Hills Ferry Cemetery in Newman.
Donations may be made to: Hilmar Football Booster, P. O. Box 1288 Hilmar, CA 95324 or to Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles School, 370 Linden Avenue, Gustine, CA 95322
Services conducted by Hillview Funeral Chapel, Gustine.
