Michael Maciel of Ripon, CA passed away unexpectedly, due to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident on March 17, 2022.
Michael was born August 6, 1950 in Fremont CA to Anthony and Mary (Goularte) Maciel. He was the second of nine children. His parents, grandparents and uncle moved to the Vernalis/Tracy area in 1957 to continue their farming operation. Michael graduated from Patterson High School in 1968. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1969 and served 6 and a half years of active duty to include one tour of Vietnam. His final rank was Staff Sergeant. He was a Lifetime Member of the VFW.
He returned to the Vernalis/Tracy area in 1975 and resumed farming with his father and brother under Maciel and Sons.
He had a desire to become a police officer and in that pursuit became a Reserve Officer for the Tracy Police Department in 1980. He received Reserve Officer of the Year in 1982. Continuing his passion he graduated from the Modesto Junior College Basic Police Academy in 1983 and was hired as a sworn officer by the Tracy Police Department the same year. He was named Police Officer of the Year in 1984. He served in several areas of the department to include Crime Prevention Unit, a Certified Range master, awarded the P.O.S.T Intermediate and Advanced Certificates, completed Background Investigator School and helped develop the Tracy PD SWAT team in 1991. He promoted through the ranks until retiring as a Captain in 2006. He then worked with Turlock Police Department for approximately one year as Acting Captain.
Michael then chose to continue to serve the Tracy Community and was elected to City Council in 2008, re-elected in 2013, serving a total of 8 years to include Mayor Pro Tern twice and then a 2 year term as Mayor 2014-2016. Many areas of Tracy’s growth were a part of his efforts during his time serving the Tracy Community.
Michael was also extremely committed in his personal life to that which included a life time passion for shooting, motor sports and deer hunting. He traveled both with family and friends with several out of state hunting trips. He enjoyed playing softball and other athletic events involving his fellow police officers during his police career.
He and his wife enjoyed traveling, was an avid Giants and 49er fan, loved to be with his grandchildren and was supportive in their lives. He enjoyed being a mentor to others in the political arena.
He was a member of the Manteca Sportsman Club Inc. where he was a Board Member and Director and held several different positions within the organization. He would participate in rifle shoots, trailwalk rifle shoots and trap shooting. He was a Lifetime Member of the NRA.
Michael is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marjorie A. (Vetrano) Maciel of Ripon, 3 daughters, Gwendolyn (John) Swan of Ripon, Jessica (Joseph) Good of Butte, MT, Michelle (Scott) Wing of Reno NV, 3 step daughters Lucrecia Sandoval (Rob) of Sonora, Jacqueline Vetrano of Manteca and Leah Lawrence of Auburn.
He leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 1 great granddaugher. He also leaves behind 6 sisters Linda (Bill) Mineni of Modesto, Gail (Dr. David) Faria of Riverbank, Annette Maciel of Billings MO, Jane (Curtis) Williford of Tracy, Joan (Buck) Fry of Kuna ID and Rene Maciel of Modesto as well as one brother Ed (Cindy) Maciel of Modesto, 18 nephews and nieces plus spouses and families, brother-in-law Charles (Pam) Vetrano, sister-in-law Nanette (Jerry) Uribe, 4 nephews and families and several cousins.
He is proceeded in death by his parents Anthony and Mary Maciel, brother Joseph, grandparents Joe E and Annie Maciel, Jack and Adelaide Goularte and brother-in-law Gerald and his daughter.
Michael will be remembered for his dedication to his family, friends and careers as well as his integrity. May he rest in peace.
His Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 2, 2022 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 1635 Chester Drive Tracy, CA 95376 at 10 a.m.
His family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Manteca Sportsman Club Inc., 30261 S. Airport Way, Manteca, CA 95337 or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Ripon
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Friday, April 1, 2022
