in the Champlain Towers building collapse in Surfside, Florida on June 24, 2021.
Manny is survived by his beautiful children, Mia (13) and Santi (10), mother
Myriam, sister Arlene (Steven) Seltzer, sister Ivonne (Pablo) Villagra, brother Rey
(Rosie) Perez, former wife Adriana Lafont, and numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins, and friends across Texas, Florida, and the world. He was preceded in
death by his father, Manuel V. Lafont Sr.
Born on January 27, 1967 in Houston, Texas to Cuban immigrants, Manny was
tremendously proud of his Cuban heritage and the opportunities his family found
in America. He attended Sharpstown High School where he excelled in baseball
and developed lifelong friendships. His love for the game of baseball continued in
college where he played at Hill Junior College and Ranger College, and then graduated from the University of Houston. Manny’s professional career spanned the globe, mostly covering Latin America, which allowed him to travel and meet people all over the world.
Manny had an insatiable zest for life and was always the life of the party.
Dancing, practical jokes, and funny costumes were all his passion; ensuring no
matter where he was or who he was with everyone felt welcomed and had a
great time. Manny had a warm and gregarious personality and always made
friends easily. He has left an imprint in so many lives and hearts.
The greatest joy in his life were his children, he was the very best Dad! Manny
was intimately involved in their lives including coaching Mia’s basketball teams,
Santi’s baseball teams, and so many of the children’s other activities. Manny was
also active in the church community, serving as a parishioner and a member of
the Emmaus group at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Miami Beach.
Manny will be missed by all who knew him.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the first responders who
put themselves in harm's way to rescue those affected by the Champlain Towers
collapse, along with the various agencies who provided tremendous support in
the days following the tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families
enduring this horrific event.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/ca19ee5f), created on behalf of Manny’s children.
To celebrate Manny’s love for baseball and coaching young players, please consider signing this petition to dedicate the North Shore baseball fields in his honor. (https://www.change.org/p/mayor-dan-gelber-dedicate-manny-lafont-park-at-the-north-shore-baseball-fields)
A visitation will be held Monday, July 5 from 10 am - 2 pm with a service to follow at 2 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road Houston, Texas. The service will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/ForestParkWestheimer/.
