Manuel Joaquin Borba, 85, of Topo, Sao Jorge, Azores passed away on July 12, 2010 due to natural causes.  He was born on April 9, 1925 in Topo, Sao Jorge, Azores, and has called Topo his home his entire life.

In the late 1960s, Manuel married Maria Madalena and raised her son Joe as his own.  In 1972, Manuel came to California with his wife and two sons Joe and Luis.  They made their home in Manteca after eight months in Turlock.  Manuel, his wife and his son Joe worked for Mr. Frank Teicheira milking cows on his dairy.  In 1984 Manuel, along with his wife and son Luis, moved back to the Azores to retire while his son Joe stayed behind in California to raise his family.  While in California he attended Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Turlock, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Manteca, and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ripon.  He enjoyed making home-made Portuguese wine and Portuguese moonshine (Agua Ardente); and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

His survivors include: his sons, Joe Borba and his wife Maria Beatriz of Manteca, and Luis Borba and his wife Idalia of Topo, Sao Jorge, Azores; his grandchildren: Lucy Borba of Manteca; Richard Borba and his wife Grace of Manteca; Carina Borba and Celcio Borba, both of Topo, Sao Jorge, Azores; his great-grandchildren: Logan and Alexis Borba both  of Manteca; and his siblings: Joao Borba; Antonio Borba; Madalina; Elena and Dedemia.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years Maria Madalena Brasil Borba on December 2, 2009, and a sister.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held in July in Topo, Sao Jorge, Azores and his interment was held following the mass.  A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 at 12 pm at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Manteca.