Manuel S.  Pires (Manuel Rodeiro) passed away at the age of 78 at his home surrounded by his loving family in Lathrop. Manuel migrated from Porto Judeu, Terceira, in 1973.  He lived in Lathrop for 28 years, after retiring from Delicato Winery as a maintenance man.  He spent numerous hours in his gigantic garden.  He also loved to attend the Portuguese bullfights, and to make his homemade Portuguese wine.  Manuel was a member of Nossa Senhora de Fatima, Thornton, Nossa Senhora dos Milagros de Gustine, and F.E.S.M., Manteca.

Manuel is survived by his wife of 22 years, Maria Laurinda Pires. He will be greatly remembered in the hearts of his children; Manuel Pires (Christine) of Manteca, Arie Cota (Tony) of Santa Clara, Joe Pires (Lucy) of Manteca, Marylou Sousa (Ilberto) of Escalon. He was also blessed with 11 grandchildren; Monica Abrew (John) Jessica Dutra (Tony), Veronica Pires, Joe Pires Jr., Bryan Pires, Tony Cota(Germaine), Raymond Cota, Andrew Cota, Michael Sousa, Melissa Sousa, Mathew Sousa and 2 great-grandchildren: John Pires Abrew and Jacqualine Sousa. Siblings; Guiormar Santos (Isalino) of Stockton, Jose Melo (Maria) of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Nephews included are Jose Agnaldo Melo of Brazil and Isalino Santos Jr. of Lodi and 3 step-children. He was preceded in death by his twin children Luis Henrique Pires and Maria De Lourdes Pires from Terceira, Azores. Brother, Luis Melo Pires and sisters; Leoneza Pires and Maria de Lourdes Pires from Terceira, Azores.  

Visitation is Thursday, May 14, at P.L. Fry & Son from  3 to 7:30 p.m. with Rosary and Vigil immediately following. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 15, beginning at noon at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Escalon. Final resting place is St. John’s Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 North Union Road, Manteca. An online guest book is available for remembrances and signing at www.plfryandson.com.