It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Manuel Armando Piña Senior, age 72, on November 10, 2025, at Baylor St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. Manuel, a dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and beloved companion, passed away after a courageous five-year battle with lung disease, following complications from surgery.
Manuel was born on December 30, 1952, in Brownsville, Texas, and spent much of his life in the Rio Grande Valley before moving to Houston, where he built a reputation as a master plumber. His skill, commitment, and professionalism earned him lifelong customers and a deep respect from his community. His craftsmanship was unmatched, and he will be remembered for his generosity, work ethic, and the care he put into everything he did.
A passionate Dallas Cowboys fan and avid car enthusiast, Manuel found joy in building and racing midget race cars. His racing journey began in March 1989 when he prepped his first car. His first race at Big "H" Speedway in April 1989 and endured his first flip in July of that year, concluding his season as T.O.M.A.R.A. Rookie of the Year. In 1990, he placed fourth in points at Battlegrounds Speedway. On August 3, 1991, he earned his first feature win and later raced at the iconic Chili Bowl in 1992.
Manuel’s family was the cornerstone of his life. He is survived by his 25-year companion and partner, Colleen McCarthy, his daughter (Amy) Emma America Piña-Cardenas and her three children, his daughter Stephanie Ann Bautista, her husband Jose, and their two children, his son Marshall Alfonso Piña, his son, Marshall's wife Crystal, and their four children, his daughter Maria April Lee, her husband Michael, and their three children, and his son Raven Andrew Piña, and his two children, daughter-in-law Catherine Piña and her two children. He was blessed with one great- grandson. Manuel's legacy also includes his beloved sisters Emma Piña, her husband Pedro Lopez, her three children; Ludivina Piña Cantu, who has four children; Roberta Piña, who has four children; and Juanita Piña Hernandez, who has one child. He also leaves behind 12 nieces and nephews, 32 grand nieces and nephews, 25 great-grand nieces and nephews, and 3 great-great-grand nieces and nephews who will forever remember him with love.
He follows the passing of his mother, Emma Harris Piña, his father, Alfonso Fulgencio Piña, his sister, Gloria Veronica Piña Buentello, his brother, Alfonso Rene Piña, and his son, Manuel Armando Piña Junior, who preceded him in death. They are now reunited, and their memories continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved them.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. Manuel’s legacy of love, strength, and resilience will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His passion for life, his family, and his crafts made the world a better place, and he will be greatly missed.
Manuel was born on December 30, 1952, in Brownsville, Texas, and spent much of his life in the Rio Grande Valley before moving to Houston, where he built a reputation as a master plumber. His skill, commitment, and professionalism earned him lifelong customers and a deep respect from his community. His craftsmanship was unmatched, and he will be remembered for his generosity, work ethic, and the care he put into everything he did.
A passionate Dallas Cowboys fan and avid car enthusiast, Manuel found joy in building and racing midget race cars. His racing journey began in March 1989 when he prepped his first car. His first race at Big "H" Speedway in April 1989 and endured his first flip in July of that year, concluding his season as T.O.M.A.R.A. Rookie of the Year. In 1990, he placed fourth in points at Battlegrounds Speedway. On August 3, 1991, he earned his first feature win and later raced at the iconic Chili Bowl in 1992.
Manuel’s family was the cornerstone of his life. He is survived by his 25-year companion and partner, Colleen McCarthy, his daughter (Amy) Emma America Piña-Cardenas and her three children, his daughter Stephanie Ann Bautista, her husband Jose, and their two children, his son Marshall Alfonso Piña, his son, Marshall's wife Crystal, and their four children, his daughter Maria April Lee, her husband Michael, and their three children, and his son Raven Andrew Piña, and his two children, daughter-in-law Catherine Piña and her two children. He was blessed with one great- grandson. Manuel's legacy also includes his beloved sisters Emma Piña, her husband Pedro Lopez, her three children; Ludivina Piña Cantu, who has four children; Roberta Piña, who has four children; and Juanita Piña Hernandez, who has one child. He also leaves behind 12 nieces and nephews, 32 grand nieces and nephews, 25 great-grand nieces and nephews, and 3 great-great-grand nieces and nephews who will forever remember him with love.
He follows the passing of his mother, Emma Harris Piña, his father, Alfonso Fulgencio Piña, his sister, Gloria Veronica Piña Buentello, his brother, Alfonso Rene Piña, and his son, Manuel Armando Piña Junior, who preceded him in death. They are now reunited, and their memories continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved them.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. Manuel’s legacy of love, strength, and resilience will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His passion for life, his family, and his crafts made the world a better place, and he will be greatly missed.
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