Manuel Galhandro passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 14, 2023, at the age of 89. He had received the Anointing of the Sick and was in the company of his son Manuel when he parted from this world to be with his sweetheart Celestina and our Heavenly Father.
Manuel was born on November 2, 1933 to the late Joao Luis Toste Galhandro and Maria Candida da Silva in Ladeira Grade, Terceira, Azores. At the age of 28 he married his love, Celestina Borges Coderniz on January 7, 1962. Together, they celebrated 50 happy years of marriage in January 2012. Celestina passed a few months later in May. Manuel and Celestina are loving and devoted parents of four children, 9 grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters.
Manuel is survived by his children, Fernanda Rengh (husband David), Manuel Galhandro (wife Diana), Mary Ann Evangelho (husband Rodney), and John Galhandro (wife Olivia). He is survived by 9 grandchildren, Elizabeth Rengh, Joshua Galhandro, Jordan Galhandro (wife Harlee), Jacob Galhandro, Justin Galhandro, Brian Phelps, Makailyn Phelps, Jonathan Galhandro, and Megan Galhandro. Manuel is survived by two beautiful great-granddaughters, Kynslee Galhandro and Brooklyn Galhandro. He is survived by two sisters, Maria Candida da Silva (Ladeira Grande, Terceira) and Belmira Gomes (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Manuel is also survived by three godsons, Joey Borges (Texas), Frank Galhano (California) and Joe Galhandro (Nevada) as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. Manuel was happiest when in the company of those he loved and spent his last birthday with all of the immediate family joyfully interacting with his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughters.
Manuel enjoyed over 30 years as a dairyman and farmer. A loving husband and father, he raised his children to value hard work and love of family. He enjoyed gardening and had a passion for tending his Portuguese grape vines, orange trees, fig trees, guava bushes, favas, kale, tomatoes, and more. He planted and tended Celestina’s rose garden and flower beds keeping everything thriving. After Celestina passed, Manuel developed a love of cooking and would often make favas stew or kale soup, then deliver it to each of his children. He also delivered oranges, figs, corn and vegetables whenever he harvested. Spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him (and them) the greatest joy.
A deeply devout Catholic, Manuel attended St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lemoore where he participated in church functions and events regularly until unable to do so due to advancing Alzheimer’s. Manuel was devoted to the Blessed Mother Mary and the Holy Rosary. He carried her statue in the candlelight procession for many years. Manuel served as president of the Hanford St. Anthony Celebration Committee and the Lemoore Holy Trinity Celebration Committee. He worked on the fund-raising committees for both organizations for many years and loved participating with his many friends throughout the Central Valley. He was also a member of U.P.E.C. and Luso-American Fraternal Federations. Manuel and Celestina loved a good trip. They traveled around the world, visiting over 24 countries together.
Visitation will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lemoore on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 (4pm-6pm) followed by the Rosary (6 pm). Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lemoore at 9 am on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, followed by interment the Lemoore Cemetery.
The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the many friends and family who have kept Manuel and all of us in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We extend our heartfelt appreciation and respect to the nurses, doctors and caregivers who cared for our Dad so lovingly and respectfully during the final years of his life. You have all loved and cared for the most important person in our lives and we are eternally grateful. Manuel will be dearly missed by all. “Eternal rest grant unto him, Oh Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him.”