IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Ken
Manziek
January 29, 1948 – May 14, 2025
Kenneth Nick Manziek, 77, of Pensacola, FL went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched.
Ken, as he was known, was born at the Pensacola Naval Hospital on January 29, 1948, and remained a proud Pensacola native his whole life. He attended Escambia High School, where he served as team captain of the football team and was a member of the science club. After graduating from high school in 1966, he attended the University of West Florida, where he studied political science with plans to pursue a career in law. However, shortly after earning his degree in 1970, he discovered a passion for real estate - a field that would become his lifelong calling.
Ken began his real estate career at Better Homes Realty in 1974. While there he earned several awards including "Salesman of the Year", an honor voted on by his peers and fellow agents. He also became co-manager of the company's 12th Ave. location. After leaving Better Homes in 1982, Ken and his friend John Connell organized Connell & Manziek Realty. This partnership was formed because Ken had developed a love for new construction and was managing 15 builder accounts, while John focused on lots and developments. Together, they helped build many neighborhoods throughout Pensacola, including the one where Ken lived. Within five years, the company had outgrown three different locations, finally establishing their current office building on Airport Blvd. In 1983, Ken was awarded the first Phoenix Award by the Home Builders Association. Ken, ever humble, was quoted as saying "I almost didn't send the paperwork…when I went by, they were closed, so, I slipped the paperwork under the door." His strong work ethic and dedication were evident in his remarkable accomplishments. In 1984 alone, Ken was involved in 136 real estate transactions - a testament to his tireless commitment and stellar reputation in the industry. He often credited this success to the steady support of his longtime administrative assistant, Cindy Martens, whose partnership he deeply valued. After 43 years in real estate, Ken retired in 2017.
Beyond his many professional achievements, Ken will be most remembered for his generosity, quick wit, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved. He found joy in telling stories, offering advice (solicited or not), and finding humor in even the most ordinary moments. His family and friends could always count on him for a well-timed joke, a thoughtful insight, or a strong opinion, always delivered with a twinkle in his eye. Above all else, Ken was a devoted husband and stepfather - roles he carried with immense pride and love. His presence will be deeply missed, but the lessons he taught and the joy he brought will live on in the many lives he touched.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Loise Miller Manziek; father, Harry Nick Manziek; brother, Larry Manziek; stepmother, Opal Manziek; grandparents; John Miller SR. and numerous aunts.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Suzanne Manziek; his stepchildren, Trevor Guelpa and Tristan Guelpa; his brother-in-law, Alan Bunt (Gilda); a stepsister, Faye Seals (Gene); an aunt, Betty Miller; as well as his uncles, Fred Miller, Dewey Miller and Bill Miller (Sue).
All friends and family are invited to a visitation that will be held from 10:00am until a Celebration of Ken's Life begins at 11:00am Friday, May 23, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Health and Hope Clinic - a cause near and dear to Ken's heart. Contributions may be made online at www.healthandhopeclinic.org, or mailed to 1718 E. Olive Rd, Pensacola, FL 32514.
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