On February 23 2022, the world lost a conduit of love in the passing of Manuel Velazquez, simply known as Flaco. He left this world while in the process of fighting cancer. While his body failed him and his spirit leaves us, the love and advice he provided throughout the years he spent here carries on. Flaco was tenacious in his love for his immediate and extended family. He demonstrated an uncanny ability to locate fantastic furniture deals on Craigslist and make any person visiting feel like his home was their home. We will miss his Christmas gatherings that he so lovingly helped orchestrate and the respite that was always there when family needed it.

He was born on January 28, 1960 in New York to Magdalena and Andrés. He moved to Florida with his family in the early 1970’s and eventually took root here in Orlando. He saw the growth of Orlando first hand over the past four decades working in the hospitality industry while running various hotels and events. He met his future love and life partner Raymond Drager during this time. Flaco always demonstrated consistency, hard work, kindness, love, quiet space and loud advice. He will be missed by all.

He is survived by his life partner of 32 years Raymond Drager, siblings René Llanio, Lucia Anderson, Luis Velazquez and Anita Laviolette along with his many nephews, nieces and extended family. He will also be missed by Hard Rock Casino, Victory Casino Cruises and the various friends and family that would end up with his hard earned money after late evenings of poker. May he rest in peace and always have a great poker hand of a royal straight flush.


Flaco's funeral arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremation,
1132 E. Plant Street. Winter Garden, FL 34787