Hollister native and life long resident Philip A. Bettencourt passed away Wednesday at St. Louise Regional Medical Center at the age of 66 years. Philip had attended Sacred Heart School & graduated from San Benito High School and San Benito Junior
College. He entered the U. S. Coast Guard upon graduation from college, serving for four years. His most memorable time was in Kauai. Upon his discharge he returned to his “roots”, San Benito County to work for Ferry Morse, Cimino-Vessey, and has spent the last 27 years with Christopher Ranch, currently as a Supervisor, supervising planting in neighboring states and overseas. “He was an avid fisherman”, said his family, fishing for salmon in Monterey Bay with his long time buddy Dick Rogers, and going to New Melones and San Luis Reservoirs.” “He loved to travel. Maui was a favorite destination. ‘Hitting the road’ to Reno, Tahoe, and Laughlin provided much enjoyment as well as cooking at the family get-togethers and barbeques”. Philip is the son of Betty Ann Bettencourt and the late Arthur A. Bettencourt. Surviving is his spouse Frances Del Real; his brother Kenneth Bettencourt (Janis) of Gilroy and sister Terry Iverson (Jay) of Salinas; his children Andy Bettencourt (Sandy), Brian Bettencourt, Carrie Barbosa (Eddie) Dede Sathers (Mike), Steve Del Real (Laurie), Rudy Del Real (Evelyn), Louis Del Real (Lucero), Chris Del Real, Esther Courtney (Earl), and Cindy Stevens (Phil), his grandchildren Kelsey, Abigail, Joshua and Melissa Bettencourt; Amber Barbosa; Michael and Lane Sathers; Steven, Heather, Stephani, Rudy Jr., Daniele, Jessica, Izabella, Michele and Kristina Del Real; Desiree Kop (Sompan); Christopher, Christine, Socci, and Nathan Del Real; Kailee, Nicole, Angela, and Steven Courtney; Vanessa, Hanna, Philip, and Julia Stevens, his great-grandchildren, Daniel Del Real, Mason Padovese, Makaela and Julian Kop, his niece and nephew Jillian and Ross Iverson, his life long friend Dave Rosati, his many co-workers, his extended family and many friends in San Benito County.
Friends are invited to a Memorial Mass Of The Resurrection on Monday, June 4th, at 11:00 A.M. at the Immaculate Conception Church, 7290 Airline Highway, Tres Pinos. A reception and a celebration of Philip’s life will immediate follow the Mass. Arrangements have been made for cremation and private inurnment. Contributions are preferred to the Cancer Society, c/o Grunnagle Ament Nelson Funeral Home 870 San Benito St., Hollister 95023
