Manuel Adriao Pinheiro

Manuel Adriao Pinheiro, age 83, of Tulare, California, passed away peacefully on August 7th, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on July 8, 1942 in Raminho, Terceira, Azores, Manuel was the only child of Jose Gonsalves Pinheiro and Virginia de Jesus Dias. He immigrated to the United States in 1969 in search of opportunity and a better life. He brought with him a strong work ethic, a deep love for his heritage, and a heart full of stories that he would share for decades to come.

A devoted husband of 56 years to Lucia Pinheiro, Manuel built a life rooted in love, laughter, and hard work. Together, they raised four children: Mary Lou, Adriana, Joe, and Frank, who carry forward his legacy of resilience and warmth. He was also the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, each of whom knew him as someone who could always bring a smile to their face-forever joking around and lighting up the room with his playful spirit.

Manuel worked as a dairy milker for many years. In addition to his full-time work, he started a small gardening business. Whether tending to the cows or trimming hedges, he brought care and pride to everything he did.

When he wasn't working, Manuel found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved watching wrestling, bullfights, and old westerns-especially the ones with tough cowboys and dusty saloons. He was a fierce competitor at the card table and could play dominoes for hours, always with a grin and a clever remark. His laughter and love of games brought people together and made every gathering feel like home.

Manuel is survived by his beloved wife, Lucia Pinheiro; his four children, Mary Lou Jorge (Tony), Adriana Wilson (Mike), Joe Pinheiro (Megan), and Frank Pinheiro (Carianne); his nine grandchildren, Aaron Gerbig (Megan), Jonne Gerbig, Allison Jorge, Luke Jorge, James Pinheiro, Jakob Pinheiro, Ryan Pinheiro, Myles Pinheiro, and Michael Pinheiro, his sister-in-law Maria Couto (Carlos) and nephew David Berbereia (Kelly). He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Gonsalves Pinheiro and Virginia de Jesus Dias, father-in-law Manuel Berbereia, mother-in-law Deolinda de Loudes Fagundes, and brother-in-law Nemesio Berbereia.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff of the Ruth Wood Open Arms House in Visalia. Your compassion, care, and kindness during Manuel's final days brought comfort and peace to him and to all of us. We are forever thankful for the dignity and love you showed him.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Chapel in Tulare. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. that same evening.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church. Interment will follow at North Tulare Public Cemetery.

Manuel leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
To send condolences or sign the family guest book, please CLICK HERE to send. Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.