He was married to Joyce Acosta on August 11, 2011 for the second time. Manuel worked many years in warehouses and driving trucks. He loved fishing with son-in-law, Danny Pedigo, Sr. and teaching everyone to work on cars. He was a joker and loved to make people laugh! He enjoyed life to the fullest and loved to share his food secrets. He taught his grandkids how to do mechanic work and what it meant to use your hands to get the job done. He used to always say listen to your car, it will tell you what's wrong.
Manuel was preceded in death by his mother, Herlinda Rivera; stepfather, Pete Rivera; father, Juan Villareal; daughter, Mary Helen Pecina; son, Pete Rivera Jr.; first wife Juanita Acosta and third wife, Virginia Acosta.
He is survived by his wife Joyce Acosta; children: Sylvia Loredo and her husband, Edward, Jo Villareal, Rhonda Pedigo, Patricia Barker, John Acosta, Jennifer Acosta; step-children Janie Zuniga, Tonia Truelo, Darla Webster, Leann Barker, Buster Barker, Sherree Riddle, Rene Arredondo; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; beloved dog, Baby Girl. Manuel was also an honorary father to many others.
A visitation for Manuel will be held Friday, September 3, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Grand Prairie Funeral Home, 733 Dalworth Street, Grand Prairie, TX 75050. A Funeral Service will take place Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 12:00 PM at the Funeral Home.
A Special "Thank You" to Tim Lowdermilk and Joseph Pedigo for being there to take care of Manuel in his time of need.
It has been said "It takes a village to raise a child", well, Manuel raised a village!
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Acosta family.
