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Tiberio Goncalves Azevedo was born on January 15, 1939 in Fajã Dos Vimes, São Jorge, Açores. He passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025 having spent his last day with his loving wife and five children. Tiberio was the ninth of ten children born to Antonio and Adelia Azevedo. His father passed away when he was a young boy and this meant the children went to work at early ages. As a young man, he was drafted into the Portuguese Army and served for three years before coming to the United States. He was already a U.S. citizen because his father had fought for the United States in World War I against the Germans. Tiberio was a hard worker with a passion for dairy farming. Upon arriving in California in 1963, he took a job milking cows in Escalon. He worked ten-hour shifts to milk all the cows, allowing for only two hours of sleep at a time in a converted grain silo, which served as his home. He milked cows and saved money for two years before returning to São Jorge to marry the love of his life, Rosa Carvalho. They returned to the United States together to pursue the American dream. Through unwavering hard work and determination, he began his first dairy in Modesto alongside his brother-in-law, Francisco Gomes. The family later relocated to Salida and Tiberio took a bold step forward to establish the Tiberio Azevedo Dairy. They moved the dairy to Stevinson in the late seventies. As his herd and vision grew, he eventually moved the operation to its current home in Hilmar. His legacy lives on as both the second and third generations carry forward his dedication and passion for dairying. Tiberio was a man of faith. He was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Turlock. He loved to sing in the church choir and was a member of the Grupo de Oracao. Tiberio and Rosa were members of the Teams of Our Lady (Turlock #4). Tiberio faithfully served on the New Church Building Committee, contributing his time and efforts when parish members came together with a shared vision to expand their church facilities. He was also President of the OLA Festa for one year and supported the festa throughout his life. Tiberio was a joyful person and his happiness shone brightest when surrounded by his growing family. Nothing brought him more satisfaction than spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment he shared with them. A man of great wisdom, Tiberio understood the value of family and legacy. He made the thoughtful decision to step back from the dairy, confidently placing its care in the capable hands of his children. In retirement, Tiberio embraced life fully. Alongside Rosa and their many dear friends, he delighted in traveling, taking trips and cruises to the Azores, Portugal, Spain, Italy, England, Turkey, Greece, Belgium, and many more. He especially loved being near the ocean, which reminded him of his childhood home. He treasured the time they spent at their home in Morro Bay, a place that brought him peace and joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Adelia Azevedo, his brothers, Antonio Azevedo, Jose Azevedo, and Ricardo Azevedo, and an infant sister. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Rosa Azevedo, and their five children: Henry and Kim Azevedo of Hilmar, Phil and Elizabeth May of Morro Bay, Mike and Adelia Carpenter of Merced, Emanuel and Susan Azevedo of Hilmar, and Mario and Stephanie Azevedo of Hilmar. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, sisters, Maria Cardoso, Georgina Gomes, Carolina Cardoso, Conceicao Azevedo, and his brother, Mario Azevedo. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Turlock Funeral Home Main Chapel. A Rosary and Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Church on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. Following the services, Tiberio will be laid to rest at North Hilmar Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tiberio’s memory may be made to Our Lady of the Assumption Church.

Tributes

Tiberio Goncalves Azevedo

January 15, 1939 - April 26, 2025