- March 3, 2026
Samuel Serrano Velazquez, also known by a collection of nicknames—Flaco, Sam Savin, and El Pulpo, to name a few—passed away peacefully, surrounded by the deep love of his family, on February 1st, 2026, in Palm Coast, Florida. He was 76 years old.
Born on January 13th, 1950, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Samuel carried the spirit of the Caribbean throughout his life. As a young man, he moved to Colquehoun, on the island of St. Croix, where he spent his youth. His life was a testament to his strong spirit, shown by relentless hard work, infectious laughter, and an unwavering, unconditional love for his family.
Samuel was a devoted husband to his widow, Sandra Felix Serrano. He was also a cherished younger brother to his living siblings, Teofilo Serrano, Carmen Felix, Evelyn Ortiz, and those who have passed on. Samuel’s life was powerfully defined by his immense dedication to those he loved most. He was a man who took pride in his identity, his roots, and the legacy he created. He leaves behind children who will carry his memory forward: Samuel Serrano Jr., Marcos Serrano, Joel Serrano, Juan A. Melendez Jr., Lizandra Serrano, Clayton Williams, Esther Williams, Amylyn Serrano, and Maribel Serrano Stovall.
He leaves behind his grandchildren: Katana, Emmanuel, Emmiett, Ethan, Edwin, Diego, Adam, Raquel, Caralyna, Aaliyah, Samuel, Ezekiel, Noah, Rosalie, Cain, Azia, Brittany, Sean, Mesayel, and Malik. He wanted them to embrace his legacy and pass it on.
He was also a favorite uncle to countless nieces and nephews who adored him, drawn to his charismatic personality and unforgettable character. Samuel was a lifelong teacher, not only through his many lessons but through his very example. Even children who came into his life later on (Tajh Q. Stovall, Derek M. Banghart.. Farmer Brown and the Jack*ss, we will let them debate which one they were). Quickly learned to love and respect him. He could meet new people anywhere and make friends he did not know he wanted. His lessons—in strength, integrity, honor, and love—are now deeply embedded in the lives of all who knew him.
To his family and friends, Samuel was much more than a loved one; he was a force of nature—a powerful storyteller, a man whose jokes created non-stop laughter, a true creative spirit, and a man who saw everything around him as an opportunity to make someone smile. The sound of his laughter and the wisdom of his advice will be missed by many for the rest of their lives. Rest assured, he has found his ultimate peace. We can picture him now, looking down on us all with a cold Medalla in his hands, standing proudly on a boat in the beautiful blue waters he loved so much, undoubtedly getting ready to take one last, perfect dive.
Services will be private, and are under the direction of Lotus Funeral Services, 460 Palm Coast Pkwy, Ste 3, Palm Coast.
