Donald W. Breitenbucher, 82, longtime owner of the Goodyear Joaquin Tire Service in Manteca died Saturday morning at his home surrounded by his family after a lengthy illness.

Don was known to many in Manteca, Ripon, and Lathrop through his tire service located on Moffat Boulevard across from the Manteca High School baseball field. Don loved playing the piano and played golf weekly — if not more often — at Spring Creek Country Club in Ripon where he held a handicap of 11.  A graduate of Manteca High in 1955, golfing was his second love until his retirement in 1994 when it became his first love after his wife Sandy, their children and grandchildren. He had been a charter member of Spring Creek Country Club since 1965.

Don became a partner in Joaquin Tire in 1961 with his father Oscar, taking over the business in 1976.  Their son David worked at the business until he joined the ranks of the Manteca Fire Department — becoming a captain before his retirement and now a member of the Manteca City Council.

Don and his wife Sandra loved being with their grandchildren and gardening at their rural Manteca home. He was born in Sacramento on September 10, 1937. 

 He was inducted into the Tyrian Masonic Lodge in January of 1962 and was elevated to Master in 1968. He was a member of the Manteca Lions Club and played a central part in the creation of the Manteca Cowboys youth football club, serving on its first board of directors in 1975.  

He is survived by his wife Sandy and their two children David and Lynn Garcia (Miguel). Of special note is his sister-in-law Linda Hoff who was a “huge part” of the couple’s life. She was known as his “favorite little sister.”

Grandchildren include William Scace, Christopher Breitenbucher  (Chelsea), Kenji Breitenbucher, Michael and Marcus Garcia along with great granddaughter Jurnee Reya.

A Celebration of his Life is pending at this time.