Jose "Joe" Dias, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on July 2, 1936, on the island of São Jorge, Azores, Portugal,
Joe's life was a full and meaningful one, centered on faith, family, and hard work.
In 1966, Joe and his beloved wife, Leocadia Dias, immigrated to the United
States, eventually settling in Manteca, a place they would lovingly call home for 56 years. Married for over 65 years, Joe and Leocadia shared a deep and devoted partnership until her passing in August 2025. Joe worked for Leprino Foods for 25 years as a lab technician, earning the respect and friendship of his colleagues. In addition to his job at Leprino, he opened his own business, Dias Antennas in 1976, fulfilling his
entrepreneurial spirit and drive to provide for his family. He operated the
business successfully until retiring from his ownership role in the 1980s.
A man of strong faith, Joe was an active member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Manteca. He founded the St. Anthony's Portuguese Choir in the
1990's which he led as director until 2018. Music was a lifelong passion for
him and in addition to singing, he was a multi-instrumentalist. He knew how
to play organ, trombone, alto horn, and accordion, to name a few. Joe was a
proud member of the Azores Band of Escalon, where he served as President
from 1989-1990.
Joe had a natural gift for cultivating life. His green thumb brought joy to
all who knew him. His fruit and vegetable garden provided something fresh and nourishing year-round. He also took pride in wine making, reflecting his
patient, thoughtful, and hands-on approach to life. Joe was known as a humble, serious, and well-respected man who welcomed everyone with warmth and sincerity. He lived with gratitude and integrity, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and hard work that will continue through the generations of his family.
Joe is survived by his five children: Jorge Dias (the late Linda Dias), Mary
Ferreira (Lino), Joseph Dias (Caroline), Paul Dias, and John Dias (Adriana).
He was the proud grandfather of Shaun (Evelia), Nicholas (Miryam), Jorge
Jr., Elizabeth, Sarah (Jacob), John "Alex", Regina, Lucas (Avery), and Suzette (Chris), and cherished his role as great-grandfather to Miguel,
Brooke, Jameson and Rosemary.
He is also survived by his siblings David Dias (Lourdes), Tony Dias (Helena), Maria Bettencourt (John), and Doris Bettencourt (the late George).
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leocadia Dias, parents, Manuel
and Deolinda Dias, his sister, Victoria Dias, and Daughter-In-Law, Linda
Dias.
Joe's presence will be deeply missed, but his love, music, and devotion will
forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to have known him.
P.L. Fry and Son is honored to be serving the Dias family. A visitation will
be on Thursday, November 6, 2025 2:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m., held at P.L. Fry and Son, 290 N. Union Rd., Manteca, CA. A Rosary/ Mass will be on Friday, November 7, 2025. Rosary is at 10:30 a.m. and Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Both will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 525 E. North St. Manteca, CA. He will be laid to rest with his beloved wife at St. John's
Catholic Cemetery, 17871 S. Carrolton Rd., Escalon. CA.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, November 1, 2025
