Obituary
Florencio “Flower” Guzman Manzano (1961-2021)

Florencio “Flower” Guzman Manzano (1961-2021)

Florencio “Flower” Guzman Manzano, born May 1, 1961 in Cerritos, San Luis Potosi, Mexico in the ranch of Manzanillas, was reunited with those who went before into the Lord’s grace on February 11, 2021. After a childhood spent in Mexico, Florencio came to his hometown of Fillmore, California at age 11. It was in high school that Florencio earned the nickname “Flower,” which was shorthand for his birth name, but also reflected his kind disposition. So it wasdestined to be that while in high school Florencio would meet the love of his life, Rosalind— or “Flower and Rose,” together.
Florencio and Rosalind could be seen regularly cruising in his 1964 Chevy Impala, which he would proudly display at car shows up and down the coast. It was through his interest in cars that he came into his life’s work as an automotive mechanic, working for the local dealership, William L. Morris. Eventually after attending Ventura College and earning multiple certifications, he would run his own automotive repair shop in Ventura, California. Through this shop he would develop many of his closest professional relationships, as he quickly became known in the area for his deep technical know-how and willingness to tackle any problem. Even if doing so meant fixing others missteps— which his family could tell you was a favorite complaint of his. Still, it was not uncommon for him to offer payments or forgive debts of those who were struggling to pay and needed a working vehicle. Kindness and generosity were Florencio’s gift, manifested through a wrench and grease.
Throughout his treatment he would echo a sentiment that reflected his dedication to family before anything else, “I lost my Mom, I can get through anything.” He would share this with anyone who asked about his condition, never to be defined by illness, but carried through it by strength of faith and family.
He was preceded by parents Sotero Manzano Barron, Maria Bernabe Guzman Manzano, and brother Federico Manzano.
He is survived by wife Rosalind, son Lorenzo, daughter Jennie, son-in-law Alec, siblings Jose Angel, Juan Angel, Angela, Elvira, Esperanza, Felipe, Fernando, Ruben, Ana, Socorro, Lupe, and grandson Andre; with whom he shared many hours talking to in their favorite place, the red backyard swing.
Visitation will have a limited capacity from 8:00am to 9:00am on Friday, March 12th, 2021 at Church of Angels, 600 East Pleasant Street in Santa Paula, California. A rosary will be recited at 10:30am with a Funeral Mass to begin at 11:00am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 Ventura Street in Fillmore, California. Interment to follow at Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 South Sespe Street in Fillmore, California.If attending, please observe current COVID-19 regulations - masks must be worn, and social distancing guidelines will be observed.
To view and sign the family's online guestbook, click on Florencio's name located below "Obituaries" at www.santapaulafuneralhome.com