Americo F. Laires passed away July 22, 2024, at the age of 78, in Modesto surrounded by his loving family. Americo was born April 20, 1946, and raised in Castendo, Portugal where he helped his dad with the family carpentry business. He was also a volunteer firefighter and later joined the Portuguese military. He was stationed in Mozambique, Africa. After returning home from his service he decided to come to America for more opportunities. He arrived in Rhode Island in 1969. In 1970, he met the love of his life, Fatima. The two were married on June 5, 1971. They were blessed with two sons. The family decided to move to California in 1981.
As a true family man, Americo enjoyed family vacations and spending quality time with his boys and grandchildren. He taught his sons how to work on and restore cars. He was proud to be a grandfather. The excitement of the first grandchild was doubled with the arrival of twins (Evan and Molly). They were followed by two more grandchildren a few years later. He loved hanging out on the farm with his little buddy, AJ. Some of his most cherished moments consisted of having AJ sit on his lap while teaching him how to drive on the farm and how to work on cars. His family and friends loved his witty sense of humor and bigger than life personality. Americo had a smile that could light up any room and lift the spirits of those around him. He liked attending Portuguese Festas and soaking up the California sun. If you drove by the house in the afternoon, you would likely see him and Fatima sitting side by side in their chairs sharing memories and tales of days gone by. Americo touched the lives of many people. He was a generous man with a big heart. He was the kind of person that anyone could turn to for help. He will be greatly missed by all of those who loved him.
Americo is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Fatima, his children, Americo J. Laires (Kim) of Escalon and Nelson F. Laires (Emily) of Linden; his grandchildren, AJ Laires of Escalon, Molly Laires, Evan Laires, and Leah Laires all of Linden. He is also survived by his siblings, Augusto Laires of Portugal, Carminda Inocenio of Portugal, Manuel Jorge Laires of Florida, and Paul Laires of Connecticut. Americo is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Beatriz Laires and other siblings.
Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Laires family. A viewing and rosary will be held for Americo on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 4 p.m. at Deegan Funeral Chapel, 1441 San Joaquin St., Escalon, CA 95320. To send the family your condolences, please visit Americo’s tribute page at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
July 31, 2024
