Michael Vincent Guzman

November 15, 1973 - July 8, 2006

Michael Vincent ("Vinny") Guzman passed away on July 8, 2006. He was born on November 15, 1973 in Inglewood, CA. Vinny, the youngest of three brothers, was the son of Victor Guzman and Sharon Guzman, both of whom are long time El Segundo residents. Vinny's father (a U.S. Army veteran and Los Angeles Police Officer) passed away in 1998 when Vinny was only 25 years old.

Vinny graduated from Saint Bernard High School in 1991. Vinny became a certified Emergency Medical Technician after high school and volunteered as an Explorer Scout with the Inglewood Fire Department. After seeing that a career in law enforcement was more fitting for him, Vinny followed in his father's footsteps. After serving briefly as a reserve police officer with the Culver City Police Department, Vinny was hired as an El Segundo Police Officer in 1995. Early in his career, Vinny was awarded the distinguished Medal of Valor for heroism in the line of duty by risking his own life to save another. During Vinny's 11 year career, he has worked as a field training officer, a member of the South Bay Platoon, and as a detective assigned to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Vinny was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2004. After a lengthy bout of chemotherapy followed by two extremely invasive surgeries and a long recovery period, Vinny beat his cancer and his health was completely restored.

Vinny was well known and widely respected by his peers. He had the ability to befriend others in so many different walks of life. He gave of himself on a regular basis, never asking for anything in return. Vinny was routinely witnessed to care for the needs of others while placing his own needs aside, including the time when he battled cancer.

Vinny's passion in life was his music. Vinny was an accomplished musician and was two semesters shy of a bachelor's degree in music from Loyola Marymount University. He played the guitar and the oboe; however, his most wonderful achievements were made with the piano. Vinny was a devoted and instrumental part of the Saint Anthony Catholic Church choir in El Segundo.

Vinny's life was cut short on July 8 following a tragic boating accident while he was on vacation. He was only 32 years old. He is survived by his mother Sharon, his brothers Don and Joey, Don's wife Alma, their daughters Elyse and Iris, Joey's wife Akiko, and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Vigil Service Friday, July 14, 2006 at 7PM and Funeral Mass Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 10AM both at St. Anthony Church, El Segundo with committal in Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Anthony's Parish or Norris Cancer Center.