Bento “Ben” Ferreira Pacheco, a successful dairy farmer in Modesto and Oakdale, passed away to rest peacefully at the age of 86 on December 16, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and other family members. Ben was born November 30, 1930 in Fonte do Bastardo, Terceira, Azores. He and his family immigrated to the United States in 1950 and subsequently resided here in the central valley, where he met his wife, milking cows on her family’s dairy. Ben had a natural ability for agriculture and working on a dairy farm, doing what he loved until they sold the cows in 2013. With the creation of a partnership with his children, they have been able to start their own farming operation. Ben was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers. He has been a Forty Niner Faithful since 1958 having season tickets for 54 years. Ben attended four games this year including his last on October 23, 2016.
He will be missed by his wife of 61 years, Mary “Rena” Senhorinha Toste, his children Mary Ann Antrim (Mark) of Modesto, David Pacheco of Modesto, Juline Machado (David) of Ripon, four grandchildren Nick Antrim (Clara), Chris Antrim (Jennifer), Jeremy Antrim (Laura), Jordan Machado and a step-grandson Matt Huffman along with five great-grandchildren Alicia, McKinnley, Rilynn, Dominic, and Josie Antrim. He is also survived by sister, Lucy Toste Silveira of Hilmar. He was preceded in death by his parents Francisco Ferreira Pacheco and Dalia de Jesus Mendes, a sister Mary Toste Inacio, and a daughter-in-law Susan Pacheco.
Ben also enjoyed serving his local community. He was a member of the Modesto Portuguese Pentecost Association where he served as President in 1979 and Marshall for 17 years. He was also involved with other organizations such as parishioner at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, P.F.S.A., Charter Member of Cabrillo Club Modesto, Past Marshall of F.E.S. Oakdale, Our Lady of Fatima of Mountain View, Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, Western United Dairymen, California Dairymen Campaign, and U.S.B.C.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 5 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Oakdale Memorial Chapel. Rosary will be on January 5 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Modesto. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 6 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Modesto followed by burial at St. Stanislaus Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in his memory to the Community Hospice, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Modesto Gospel Mission.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Jan. 4, 2017