John (Jack) de Bettencourt Sr. died on May 22 in Manteca, Calif. He was 86.

He was born in Oak Bluffs on April 8, 1936 to William N. de Bettencourt and Mary M. Connor de Bettencourt. After graduating from Boston College High School he continued his education at Boston College before joining the U.S. Army in 1957. He became a language specialist and studied Russian at the Army Language School in Monterey, Calif. In addition to Russian, he spoke six other languages.

In 1960, while serving in Germany he met Edel, the love of his life. They were married on Feb. 24, 1962 in Coburg, Germany.

After six years in the military, he was honorably discharged in 1963 as a sergeant. Following the military, he made the journey from Massachusetts to California in his treasured 1963 Volkswagen Bus with Edel, and they found their forever home in San Lorenzo. Jack had various jobs including at the Dole plant in Oakland and as an owning partner of two fish and chips restaurants.

He eventually discovered his passion and became a machinist. Smart and innovative, he always thought outside the box to find a solution. His keen eye, determination and intelligence led him to a successful career as a machinist. After 40-plus years in the trade he retired from Parker & Hannifin in 2004.

Jack was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in San Lorenzo. He was an avid Oakland As and Golden State Warriors fan. He had a love for animals, vegetable gardening, collecting Hummel figurines, Sudoku and word searches. He enjoyed relaxing in the sunshine, listening to the birds and wind chimes. He was a jack of all trades who loved tinkering in the garage and could fix just about anything.

He came across as a quiet man but could be quite the talker once he got to know you. He loved to reminiscence about his favorite childhood memories growing up with his siblings on Martha’s Vineyard.

He was humble, always willing to help anyone in need. He had an impeccable work ethic and lived by the words, “If you are going to do something, do it right or do not bother doing it at all.” He was dedicated to his family and loved his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. He always provided for his family and taught his children and grandchildren about integrity, family values and how to be a kind, honest person. He will be remembered as a loyal family man who loved unconditionally. He will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife Edel de Bettencourt and their children: Susanne Homen and her husband Mike of Gold Canyon, Ariz., John de Bettencourt Jr. and his wife Sara of Winchester, Tenn., and Christine Duran and her husband Charles of Manteca, Calif.; grandchildren Andrea Salazar, David Salazar, C.J. Duran, Shelby de Bettencourt and Savannah de Bettencourt; great-grandchild Esmii Guerrero; and his sisters Eileen Tierney of Connecticut, Theresa Veinotte of Florida and Kathleen de Bettencourt of Vermont.

He was predeceased by his siblings William (Billy), Anne, Gerald, William N. Jr. (Bink), Rosemary, Maureen and Tom.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.