Manuel Clemente Machado (known to all as Clemente) was born on November 23rd, 1942 in Santo Antão, São Jorge, Açores and passed away on November 15th, 2020 in Santa Clara, California at the age of 77. Beloved husband for 50 years to Margarida Machado. Devoted father to three sons and one daughter: Elder Machado, Tony Machado and daughter-in-law Kim, David Machado and daughter-in-law Demetria, and Cristina Andres and son-in-law Mark. Loving grandfather to Lucas, Drew, Adriana, Cristian, Cristofer, Zackary, Emily, Ellia and Addison. Eldest brother to eight surviving brothers and sisters: Maria Estevam, Maria Cristina Alves, Jose Machado, Maria Lurdes Reis, Antonio Machado, Maria Gabriela Oliveira, João Machado and Maria Natalia Sousa.
Clemente immigrated to the United States in 1970 after marrying Margarida. They initially lived in Modesto, where he worked as a dairy farm hand. It was there where their four children were born. In 1979, Clemente and his family moved to Santa Clara, where he settled and raised his family, while working as a sanitation worker for BFI, Green Team and Waste Management companies for almost 30 years.
Clemente was very proud of his Portuguese heritage. He loved “as ilhas” (the islands) and his island of São Jorge. Clemente and Margarida bought and restored a house in the Fajã de São João where they vacationed in their later years every summer for months at a time, visiting family and old friends. He was a member of the S.E.S Portuguese Hall of Santa Clara and the Sociedade Filarmônica União Portuguesa de Santa Clara for many years, filling various roles including Vice President and President of the Band.
Clemente was a friend to all who knew him. He was the salt of the earth, humble, kind, proud, hardworking, fair and honest. Clemente loved his family and worked hard to provide for them. He made sure to raise them right and teach them the same values he was raised with. His grandchildren brought a smile to his face every time he saw them and they all loved their Vovó. He had a special sparkle in his beautiful eyes when he smiled and laughed, which was noticed and remembered by so many who knew him. He was and is so dearly loved by all. He will be missed beyond words and will live forever in our hearts.
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