Francisco Bettencourt age 91, of Lowell passed away peacefully on February 8th with his loving family by his side.
He was born in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal on January 12, 1931 and was a son of the late Francisco and the late Esbela (Augusta) Bettencourt. He was raised in Graciosa where he attended area schools and worked for the local government before immigrating to the Back Central section of Lowell in 1972 with the love of his life Maria Olga (Lobao) with whom he would have celebrated 67 years of marriage in October 2022.
Francisco worked in the various mills in Lowell and then later for BASF before retiring in 1993. He enjoyed spending time with family, traveling to Graciosa every summer, growing award winning couves, making wine, and cheering on his favorite soccer team, Benfica.
Francisco is survived by his son, Gildas Bettencourt and his wife, Fatima; his daughter, Gizelia Santos; grandchildren, Fabio Bettencourt and husband, Tony Gallea, Tiago Bettencourt and his wife, Debbie, Nina Silva and her husband, Jose; and great-grandchildren, Lucas and Gabriel Silva; sister-in-law, Alexandrina Baker; sister-in-law, Maria Alice DaSilva; sister-in-law, Maria Lobao, and brother-in-law, Olimpio Silva.
In addition, he leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family both in North America, Azores, and mainland Portugal.??He was also the father-in-law of the late James Santos, brother of the late Daniel Bettencourt and Georgina DaSilva, brother-in-law of the late Antonio Lobao, Raul Lobao, Maria Fatima Silva, Madalena Cunha, John Lobao, Frank Lobao, Maria Emilia Lobao, and Lionel (Peter) Baker.
On Tuesday, February 15, 2022 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 10 a.m. -12 noon at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, 978-458-6816.
His funeral Mass will be offered at 1 p.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury.