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Manuel Jorge Morris (Morais) passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and children, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the age of 76. Manuel was born in Fajã dos Vimes, São Jorge, Açores, on November 6, 1949, to his parents, João and Diolinda Morais. In 1966, at age 16, Manuel moved to the United States with his brother, Antonio, to build a new life. Together, they worked on dairies in Manteca, California, before partnering up and starting a dairy of their own in west Modesto. Manuel married his wife, Mary Aguiar, on January 21, 1978. They celebrated 48 years of marriage this year. In 1988, Manuel and Mary started their own dairy farm on Young Road in Modesto before building their current facility on Shiloh Road in 1994. Manuel enjoyed farming and dairying alongside his son, Johnny. Manuel could always be found in a piece of equipment, on a swather, or covered in cow manure up until his passing. He loved playing cards, hosting matanças, traveling to the Açores, and being surrounded by family and friends. He was a jokester who loved to see people laugh and smile. Manuel was a beloved husband, father, avô, brother, and uncle. He will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, João and Diolinda Morais; his sister, Lubelia Morais; his brother, Leonel Morais; and his son, David Morris. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his son, John (Nicole) Morris; daughter, Darlene; his grandchildren, Livia and Manuel David Morris; his sister, Maria Idalina Borba; his brother, Antonio (Delfina) Morris; his brother, Luis (Fatima) Silveira of Terceira; as well as his many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Road, Turlock, California 95381. A recitation of the rosary will be held 9:30am, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00am at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 709 J Street, Modesto, California 95354 on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Following the Mass, Manuel will be laid to rest at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now) or Valley Children's Hospital (https://www.valleychildrens.org/support/ways-to-give/financial-giving/donate-money).

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Manuel Jorge Morris

November 6, 1949 - May 14, 2026