Michael Anthony Pina III

A giant among us, our treasured Father, Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin, and Friend, Michael “Mikey” Anthony Piña III passed away on April 30, 2024.

Mikey was born to Michael A. Piña Jr. and Alexandra Gutiérrez Piña on November 7, 1985 in Sacramento, California. As the eldest brother of three sisters, Mikey naturally assumed the role of their protector and vigilante.

At a young age, he understood how to navigate his neighborhood and be accepted among his peers in Northgate. Mikey traversed the trenches, valleys, and mountains that life offered him. The hand that was dealt to him was a hard one, but he came out on top despite every obstacle. 
 
He is survived by his legacies, his two sons Michael IV and Marciano. Their birth was a sacred gift of rebirth for Mikey as he grew into fatherhood and learned how to be their role model. 

As an active community member, he advocated for increased awareness of the school-to-prison pipeline, troubled youth, and carceral policy change. He spearheaded a peer mentorship program for formerly incarcerated individuals through his pure willingness to show support for others on similar paths. 

Resilient, charismatic, and loyal, Mikey navigated life as an open book always willing to share his story for all to hear. To experience his personality and exuberant love for the people around him was to experience what one imagines sunlight to feel like. His tenacity for life often shook people to the core because he was willing to wear his heart on his sleeve.   

He showered you with his full attention, willingness to help, and a demeanor full of lighthearted quips. Mikey was many things to a diverse amount of people who endlessly tell of his welcoming energy and care. His adaptability to speak with people from all walks of life is evidence of how evolved and big his heart was.

Mikey, a caliber of a man unlike any other, shone strongest in his relentless sense of humor and high intelligence. He had the ability to conduct himself around the unlikeliest of people. Mikey coined the term “snapperz and blapperz” to invite anyone watching to be involved with his social media presence. Mikey was wild and free in every phase of his life, adding allure to his strong physical build and sharp mind. He was willing to ask the hard questions of life and represent his truth with articulate and persuasive conviction.

His openness to share and be heard will echo in our hearts for generations.
Mikey impacted countless lives and his memory is alive in each person who had the privilege to experience him. 

Services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish at 10 a.m. on May 17, 2024, and laid to rest following mass at East Lawn Cemetery.

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