Manuel "Manny" Velazquez Sr., 79, of Lancaster, went home to God on November 27, 2018. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Hipolito Velazquez and Ramona Ruiz Velazquez and the beloved husband to Basilisa Santos Velazquez. For 25 years, Manny worked as a Forman in the Molding Department of ITT Grinnell in Columbia. He then went on to be a Catholic Chaplain at Camp Hill State Prison for 13 years. Manny was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Ranked as a Corporal, he served as a Paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne and was stationed state side at Fort Bragg, NC and in Germany. On July 10, 1978, Manuel was ordained as a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Harrisburg by Bishop Joseph T. Daily; he was in the first group of permanent deacons for the Diocese. Though he was officially assigned to Historic St. Mary's Catholic Church where he served with dedication, his deep commitment to the Latino community also led him to serve generously at Iglesia Católica San Juan Bautista. He also participated in his neighborhood church, St. Joseph's. Those who knew Deacon Manuel noted that he was busier after retirement than he was when working. In addition to his liturgical and charitable work as a Deacon, he also assisted the Diocesan Tribunal, was an active member of the Hispanic Apostolate and served in the formation and support of current and aspiring deacon candidates. He loved baseball, country music, western movies, spending time with his family, and ministering to those in need. Manny is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Basilisa, his sister, Iris Navarro, his children; Norma Colon (Edwin), Nancy Velazquez, Manuel Velazquez Jr., Geraldo Velazquez (Kathy), Gloria Bones (Donald Jr.), Lisa Hall (J. Patrick), Christina Kopcho (Marc), and Marie Linares, his 21 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughters, Lourdes Velazquez and Sandra Perry. Funeral liturgies for Deacon Velazquez will begin on Monday, December 3, 2018 with a viewing from 4:00 – 7:00pm at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church, 425 S. Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602. The Holy Mass will follow the viewing, starting at 7:00pm. On Tuesday, December 4, 2018, a viewing will be held from 8:30 – 9:45am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 119 S Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603. The Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer will preside at the Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:00am. Interment will follow services at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate a memorial gift to San Juan Bautista Catholic Church or St Mary's Catholic Church.