Humberto Contente Costa passed away on June 5, 2026, just three days after celebrating his 90th birthday-a milestone that meant so much to him. He was born on June 2, 1936, on the island of Terceira in the Azores, Portugal, the only son of Jose de Sousa Costa and Emilia Contente de Sousa.
Humberto grew up on the island of Terceira, where he attended school, and later worked at the U.S. Air Base on the island. In 1963, he married the love of his life, Maria Madre-Deus Contente Costa, and together they raised two children.
In 1973, Humberto brought his young family to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. He settled in Manteca, where he lived for more than 40 years before moving to Ripon to be closer to his children for the past decade. Humberto was a dedicated, hardworking man who spent much of his career at Laura Scudder's in Tracy. After its closure, he continued working at Owens & Minor until his retirement. He shared 45 wonderful years of marriage with Madre-Deus before her passing in 2008.
Humberto is survived by his son, George Contente and wife Kimberly of Ripon; daughter, Carla Vasquez and husband Richard of Ripon; and his grandchildren, Kendra Contente, Caitlyn Baron and husband Carlos, and Jacob Duxbury. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Cody Vasquez and wife Byianca, and Sydney Vasquez; great-grandchildren, Carson Berghorst, Ellie Vasquez and Cade Vasquez. He also leaves behind his cousin, Ercilia Martins of Tulare, who was like a sister to him throughout his life; his sister-in-law, Benvinda Dias of Turlock; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Humberto found his greatest joy in spending time with family and friends. He loved playing cards, trips to the casino, watching his grandchildren play sports, visits to the ocean, and swimming. He also enjoyed attending festas, where he especially cherished dancing with his beloved wife. He was an avid supporter of his favorite teams, including Sporting Clube de Portugal, the San Francisco 49ers, Giants, and Warriors.
Humberto felt truly blessed to have come to this country and to be fluent in both Portuguese and English. He always paid it forward by helping others who immigrated to America, offering translation assistance and helping them find employment. He attended St. Anthony's Catholic Church and St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and was a member of the FESM Hall in Manteca, IPSES Hall in Tracy, and Teamsters Local 439.
Humberto will be remembered as a kind and humble man with a great sense of humor. He always had a joke or a witty one-liner to share, accompanied by his unforgettable grin. He was deeply devoted to his family and his greatest pride was his grandchildren. He cherished watching them grow into wonderful young adults.
P.L. Fry and Sons is honored to be serving the Costa-Contente Family. Services will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 19399 E. Highway 120, Ripon. Visitation will begin at 9:00am., followed by the Rosary and Mass at 10:00 a.m., after services he will be laid to rest with his beloved wife at St. John's Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Second Harvest Food Bank, 1220 Vanderbilt Cir. Manteca, CA 95337 or a charity of your choice.
