John F. Bettencourt went peacefully to be with the Lord on March 2, 2011, at the age of 53.  He lived all of his life in Ripon, California.  He attended St. Anthony’s School and Ripon High School.  He was a classic car enthusiast, an avid gardener, and enjoyed spending time in Pacific Grove.  He was a member and Eucharist Minister at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank C. Bettencourt, and is survived by his mother, Mary Bettencourt of Ripon; sisters Annamarie Newton of Huntington Beach, Maryann Bettencourt of Cupertino, Bettyann Bettencourt of Columbia, MO; and brother, Frank Bettencourt of Costa Mesa.  He was loving uncle of Jennifer Hack, Mary Newton, Christopher Hanson and Joseph Kneip, and great uncle of babies Theodore and Jacqueline.

A Rosary/Mass will be held on Saturday, March 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 19399 E. Highway120, in Ripon/Escalon.  Burial will be private.  Remembrances may be made to the St. Patrick’s New Building Fund, 19399 E. Highway 120, Ripon CA 95366 or to the charity of your choice.  Arrangements by Deegan Funeral Chapel in Escalon; please visit our website at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com