Manuel Soriano Sr.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Juan Soriano and Maria Subirias Soriano. His sister Rosaura Villa, son Jaime Soriano and grandson Nathan Fernandez. Manuel is survived by his wife Rose Tello Soriano, his children Cynthia and Remigio Fernandez of Tyler, Manuel, Jr. and Mary Soriano of Tyler, Javier “BB” and Melissa Soriano of Lindale, Jose Soriano of Winona and Maria and Julio “JR” Zuniga of Winona. He will also be missed by his brothers and sisters, Genoveva Soriano of San Antonio, Modesta and Oscar Rodriguez of San Antonio, Fernando and Estela Soriano of Tyler, Ruben Soriano of San Antonio, Oscar Soriano of San Antonio, Becky and Francisco Villa of Dallas, Felipe and Rutilia Esparza of San Antonio, and Nicolas Esparza of Dallas. He was Abuelo to 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He holds a special place in the hearts of numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

After a brief courtship Manuel and Rose began to build their life together in March of 1971. In 1972, they were blessed with a daughter, Cynthia. In 1973, a few weeks after Manuel, Jr. was born they moved to Tyler. In the next four years, they added three more sons, Jaime, Javier and Jose and also another daughter Maria. Manuel was a loving father, but he kept all six kids in line. Through thick, thin, and all the ups and downs of life Manuel loved Rose and his children and he instilled in all of them the importance of family. When Manuel’s family was still very young he started work in the church and built a ministry within the Hispanic Community. Mr. Soriano ministered to churches locally and in Mexico. He had a servant's heart and would share his home and most of his possessions with those in need. Rose and Manuel worked together for 49 years building a life full of memories. Even until the end, Rose, his viejita, cared for him.

Outside of the church Manuel worked at Tyler Pipe where he was a Millwright, welder, and mechanic. If it broke, he could fix it and he did for 30 years. He was fun loving with a sense of humor that helped him to make friends wherever he went. Manuel was proud of his Mexican heritage. He enjoyed dressing in traditional Mexican attire and participating in festivals and riding his horse in parades that celebrated his heritage and traditions. Music was a big part of his life and Mariachi music was his favorite. He was never one to be left off the dance floor even if his brother was the only partner available. Manuel will be missed by all those that loved him until the day we see him again.

Family will receive friends on Friday, October 9 from 6-8 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home 12053 State HWY 64 West, Tyler,TX 75704. Funeral services for Mr.Soriano will be held by Pastor Gene Smith and Pastor Jamie Eitson on Saturday, October 10 at 11 a.m. at Memorial Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery 1310 W NW Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75706.