Manuel Samar Crescini

Born on January 11, 1943, in Buhi, Camarines Sur, Philippines, Manuel was the ninth of thirteen children born to Pablo Dasmarinas and Justina Samar Crescini. He spent several years farming his family rice fields before attending the University of the East where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in commerce. For over 35 years, Manuel worked as a dedicated cost analyst for The Minute Maid Company (formerly known as the Coca-Cola Foods Division).

Known as Manny/Awel to his friends, he lived his life guided by his Catholic faith and fueled by his love of family. He was ready and willing to give selflessly of himself to help those in need. A man of few words, his actions spoke for him. Those who knew him remember his warmth, compassion, and gentle sense of humor. Once he befriended someone, they were his friends for life.

Together with his beloved wife of fifty-seven years Delia, they were among the founding members of St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, Texas and regularly attended the 7:00 a.m. Sunday mass. At this mass, Manuel served as an usher and assisted the sacristans in setting up the church bulletins at all entrances.

Manuel had a passion for fishing, loved cheering on his beloved Houston Rockets, and watching classic Westerns, Sci-Fi, and martial arts movies. He had an appreciation of music, often listening to the music of Engelbert Humperdinck and Tom Jones on his phone or on YouTube.

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents and seven of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife, Delia Yater Crescini, his three children, Michelle Gray (Anthony), Jennifer Cooper (Robert), and Paul Crescini, his five cherished granddaughters, Genevieve Gray, Angelica, Madeline, Elizabeth, and Gabriella Cooper, and his five siblings: Dioscoro Crescini, Adoracion Brazal, Fe Sacueza, Natividad Noble and Antonio Crescini. He also leaves behind loving nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and extended family members in both the United States and the Philippines.

A visitation will be held at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford, on Sunday, September 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m.

A visitation will be held at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford, on Monday, September 7, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 5:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Laurence Catholic Church, 3100 Sweetwater Blvd. in Sugar Land on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Immediately following, all are invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Manuel during a reception to be held in the Parish Hall at St. Laurence Catholic Church.

The Rite of Committal will follow, via funeral procession to Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.