Manuelito "Lito" Portacio was born and raised in San Diego, California. After attending the Vidal Sassoon Academy, he eventually made West Hollywood his home place that perfectly matched his vibrant spirit and impeccable style.

In 2001, Lito began working at the prestigious Frederic Fekkaisalon on Rodeo Drive, where he built a successful career and formed deep, lasting friendships, including with future Local 706 members Liz Ferguson and Joy Zapata. After 12 wonderful years, he moved to Melrose Place, continuing to share his exceptional talent and generous heart with everyone who crossed his path.

In August 2017, Lito joined the Fox Sports team, working with MLB and Fox NFL Sunday. This is where he met his dear friend Lisa Ashley. He quickly became a beloved part of the crew, traveling alongside respected sports analysts such as Alex Rodriguez, Kevin Burkhardt, David Ortiz, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, and Michael Strahan. His warmth, professionalism, and positive spirit made him a treasured part of every production. His work at Fox Sports also led him to proudly become a member of Local 706.

Lito also brought his artistry to Dancing with the Stars, collaborating with talents like Derek Hough. Lito loved contributing to work his magic on talent doing countless photo shoots and commercials. He had a gift for helping people feel confident and beautiful, always elevating those around him.

Outside of work, Lito’s greatest joy was his beloved dogs, especially Scruffy, who was known for his perfect manners and often joined Lito on outings around West Hollywood. A regular at Joe’s Pizza on Sunset Boulevard, Lito embraced the energy and charm of his neighborhood, always bringing his signature smile and kindness wherever he went.

Lito was a beacon of positivity, offering kind words, warm hugs, and a joyful laugh that could light up any room. He carried himself with quiet grace, an impeccable sense of style, and a humor that made everyone feel at ease. No matter the situation, Lito always found the silver lining—and knew that a fresh hairstyle could make things just a little bit better.

Lito is survived by his mother, Virginia; stepfather, Ramon; sisters, Maria and Elvira; brother, Rosauro; nieces, Vanessa and Sherena; and nephews, James and Joseph. He was a devoted great-uncle to Giovani and Roman, sharing with them his love of baseball and often gifting them with autographed balls. His family is endlessly proud of the incredible person he was.

Lito’s beautiful light will be deeply missed. Every visit to Joe’s Pizza will now carry a bit of his spirit, and we’ll raise a slice in his memory—with love, laughter, and gratitude for having known him.

 

 

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