Juan G. Pina

Juan G. Piña passed away on Saturday night, April 5, 2025, at the age of 94 years, at his home in Rockport, Texas after a long, prosperous, and well-lived life. Juan was born on December 27, 1930, in Kennedy, Texas to Bacilio and Cecilia Piña who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his four brothers and five sisters: Bacilio Jr., Alfredo, Baldemar and Joe; Hortencia, Olivia, Ofelia, Oralia, and Elfida. He is survived by his younger brother Jimmie and his sister Mary Narvaiz both from Victoria.

Juan is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Ernestina “Tina” Piña from Rockport; his four children, Jeanie Piña from Victoria, Texas, John Piña (Julie), from Rockport, Sharon Johnson (David), from Seguin, Texas, and Orlando Piña (Melissa) also from Rockport. Juan also had six grandchildren, Tina Ruizsoriano (Emilio) from Mission, Texas, TJ Pina (Whitney) from Rockport, James Kelley (Patrick) from San Antonio, Myranda Piña from San Antonio, David Johnson from Scottsdale, Arizona, and Caroline Johnson from Rowlett, Texas. He also had three great-grandchildren, Emily Ruizsoriano from New York City, Sebastian Ruizsoriano from Mission and Victoria Piña from Rockport. The Piña family would also like to acknowledge Harbor Hospice for their support and care, and to give special thanks to Brenda Bolton who was Juan’s caretaker for the last few years of his life.

Juan came to Rockport at the age of sixteen and began a lifelong career on the water in the shrimping industry. He started out as a deckhand and quickly rose to captain working on several boats for the Mullenax family (the Mary M. and the Elva M.) and the Casterline family, (the Eileen Ruth, the Florence May, and the Leslie C.) He eventually had his own boats, the Sharon & Ali Michelle, the Cimmaron and the Mr. Kirton. He was affectionately known as “Palomita” for his dove-like presence and peaceful demeanor while at the wheel of his boat.

Juan was a hard worker, spending weeks and months away from his home and family while shrimping, often unloading at the nearest port miles away from home, only to turn around and head back out to the gulf. He was a loyal friend and family member who many others learned from, relied on, and respected for his honesty, knowledge, and dedication to his family. He was a self-taught man who lived a life of dignity and respect for himself, his family, and the resources around him. Juan was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockport and the Knights of Columbus.

He loved watching sports on TV, especially the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and the San Antonio Spurs. He was also quite fond of old western movies and even the daily soap operas, especially The Young and the Restless! He loved to barbeque, and he loved to visit family to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and special events.

Juan’s life will be remembered and celebrated with visitation on Sunday, April 13th from 5pm to 8pm at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Rockport, Texas. Rosary will be recited at 9:15am on Monday April 14th, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockport (209 N. Church St) followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00, also at Sacred Heart. Burial will follow at Rockport Cemetery.

Following the services, friends and family are invited to a reception/lunch at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Rockport, Texas (555 Enterprise-next door to the Rockport Post Office).