Daniel Brideau, 59, of Manteca passed away Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013 at Memorial Hospital. He spent his final days surrounded with the love and support of family and friends before losing his three-year battle to esophageal cancer.

Born on Sept. 20, 1953 in Gardner, Massachusetts, he moved to California at an early age. He grew up in Southern California in Monrovia and attended local schools and graduated in 1971.

He mainly worked in sales as a younger adult. The last 20-plus years he has worked for Concord Foods, moving up to General Manager. He opened the Northern Division when he moved to Manteca 12 years ago.

He met his wife Connie Vermillion Brideau nine years ago. They enjoyed taking day trips and finding new places to hike and camp and he would capture those moments with his love of photography. He shared Connie's love of Disneyland and they would visit each holiday season. Mr. Brideau was an avid reader and enjoyed three to four books a week. He also returned to playing the guitar last year, it allowed him to focus and relax with his love of music and not the battle he was fighting.

Survivors include his wife, Connie; son Michael Brideau; granddaughter Bella of Manteca; stepdaughter Kimberly Vermillion of Roseville; sister Cathy Brideau (Randy) of Washington DC; brother John Brideau (Theresa) of Running Springs; stepsister Lynn Greaver (Roger) of Myrtle Beach, SC; stepsister Patty Williams of Texas; stepbrother Vic Reid of Southern California; many cousins, nieces and nephews, and all of Connie's family who truly loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ovila Brideau; mom Isabella Reid; stepfather Stanley Reid and his special love and Meme Edna Fregeau and Pepe Elzear Fregeau.

He will be remembered as a power of strength; loving, kind and loyal to those who knew him. He had a unique sense of humor and will be missed by all.

A gathering celebrating his life will be held at the family's home in March.

In lieu of flowers; donations may be made to ECAN (Esophageal Cancer Action Network) or ECEF.

For condolences to the family, visit their website at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

Feb. 27, 2013