Manuel Cazares Sifuentes Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years Theresa Sifuentes; his sons Manuel “Trey” Sifuentes III (wife Stephanie), Joe Nicholas Sifuentes, and Alexander “A.J.” Sifuentes (fiancé Morgan); stepson Paul Orta; grandchildren Bailey, Dahlia, Cooper, and Lorenzo; sisters Pilar, Margaret, and Lupita; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, compadres, and lifelong friends who cherished him deeply.

Born in Austin on October 8th, 1950, he was the youngest of five children of Manuel Sifuentes Sr. and Lupe “Grandma Lou” Sifuentes. A proud South Austinite, he attended Dawson Elementary, Fulmore Junior High, and graduated from Travis High School in 1969, where he was a distinguished member and first-chair trumpet of the award-winning Rebel Band.

After high school, he briefly attended Del Mar College in Corpus Christi before returning to Austin to pursue his love of music with several locally renowned bands, including his own Camero Brass Band. His passion for music was only matched by his tireless work ethic. Long before “side hustles” became common, Manny embodied the spirit of perseverance, working multiple jobs and occasionally walking uphill both ways in the early morning hours from his home in South Austin to the downtown business district.

His path led him to a role with the City of Austin where he met Theresa, and they married in the summer of 1980. Together they moved their growing family to far South Austin where they built their family home, at a time before home telephone service was available south of Sunset Valley.

A man of deep faith, Manny was a lifelong practicing Catholic who found strength and comfort in prayer. He frequently attended Mass at St. Ignatius and St. Paul Catholic Churches, where he found and built fellowship. He also believed in keeping family close and hosted countless holiday parties and family milestone celebrations that continue to live warmly in the memories of those who attended.

Professionally, his journey was defined by leadership, mentorship, and achievement, with key roles in sales and logistics at Fortune 500 and privately held companies. Recognized often with top sales awards and accolades, he built a reputation for both excellence in results and generosity in guidance. After decades of achievement, he transitioned into retirement, dedicating his time and heart entirely to family.

In retirement, Manny embraced the joys of everyday life. He cheered passionately for the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns, laughed loudly at old irreverent comedies, and took road trips to out-of-state casinos—always as the trusted designated driver. Never one to rest, his retirement hobbies included weekly yard maintenance of the family home and hand-washing his cars, although he was also known to enjoy good cigars and the occasional pina colada at local Tex Mex establishments.

In lieu of visitation and memorials, the family encourages all to take a moment to embrace your loved ones and reach out to those you care about, no matter what may seem to stand in the way. For the happiness your presence brings, the love your heart creates, and the memories you make will long outlast the material objects of this world.

We love you Dad and are forever grateful for the gift of your life. Your steady hand and guiding light will remain our family’s North Star, always missed and never forgotten.