Jose Caetano Diniz loving and devoted husband, father, and friend passed away peacefully March 18, 2009 in the presence of family in Oakdale, CA, at the age of 83. Jose was born in Terceira Acores, Portugal, where he was raised, educated, and served in the military. After fulfilling his military duties, Jose obtained a job at the United States Air Force Base in Lajes, Terceira where he worked for twenty years climbing the ranks and eventually becoming General Manager of Operations in the Commissary Division. Shortly after beginning his career, Jose married Lina Linhares Candida, and had five wonderful children Carlos, Val, Fatima da Conceicao, Paul, and Joe. Jose immigrated to California in 1968 and settled in Tracy where he worked at Laura Scudder’s potato chip plant until his retirement in 1989.

Jose lived a selfless life in which he helped many people immigrate to the United States, secured employment for them, and insured their well being until they became stable. Jose was a proud man and fully supported his heritage by organizing and promoting clubs and organizations for the Portuguese community. Jose was a founding member of the soccer club Vilanovense in Terceira and Nova Artista Acoreana de Tracy and served on the boards and as a member of many Portuguese affiliations including IPFES, UPEC, LUSO American and Society of Our Lady of Fatima.

Jose is survived by his wife Lina of 58 years, his sons Carlos & Noemia Diniz, Val & Maria Diniz, Paul & Kathleen Diniz and Joe & Annabell Diniz and eleven grandchildren, Melanie Birdsall, Matthew Diniz, Brian Diniz, Christopher Diniz, Andru Diniz, Krysten Diniz, Brittany Diniz, Jason Diniz, Amanda Diniz, Craig Diniz, and Thomas Diniz, as well as his siblings Arnold Diniz, Teresa Louro, Leontina Medeiros and Olivette Cardoso.  Jose was preceded in death by his daughter Fatima da Conceicao, his brother Norberto Diniz and his sister Isaura Fereira.

Mr. Diniz’s services are being handled by Deegan Funeral Chapel in Escalon. A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 22, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at Deegan Funeral Chapel, 1441 San Joaquin, Escalon. A Rosary will follow the viewing at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church 19399 E. Hwy 120, Ripon. The funeral will take place 10 a.m., Monday, March 23 at St. Bernard’s Church, 163 W Eaton Ave., Tracy.