Obituary of Richard J. Diaz
Richard Diaz passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 6, 2024 in Poughkeepsie, NY, at the age of 70.
He was born on September 12, 1953, to the late Bernardina Perez Diaz and Amalio Diaz. He was raised in the vibrant melting pot of The Bronx. There, he met and married his wife, Nereida Torres, on July 6th, 1974. Together, they had three children: Jessica Diaz Utter, Ricky Diaz, and Christopher Diaz. His legacy extends even further, reaching the hands of his two grandchildren, Aliyah and Isaac.
As a Bronx native, it was only natural that he was a committed Yankees fan, with his favorite player being the Yankees Slugger, Mickey Mantle. He found his professional calling in Manhattan, working for several banks for over 25 years as a Senior Letter of Credit Specialist and ultimately retiring from JP Morgan Chase. Richard was a lover of music, especially jazz, and enjoyed reading and watching sci-fi movies.
Richard Diaz was a man of strength and unwavering values and had an infectious smile and laugh. He was also a man of great faith and had a strong relationship with God. His absence leaves a deep void, yet we find solace in the memories we hold dear and all the wonderful moments we shared with him.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Nereida Torres Diaz; children, Jessica Diaz Utter and husband, Kirk Utter of Poughkeepsie, NY, Ricky Diaz and wife, Mary Meroney of Chattanooga, TN, and Christopher Diaz and wife, Jamie Diaz of Port Ewen, NY; grandchildren, Aliyah Diaz and Isaac Diaz; older sister, Martha Tapia of Bronx, NY; nephew, Juan Tapia of Bronx, NY; sister-in-law, Naida Amatulli and husband, Angelo of Carmel, NY; nieces, Verrinia Amatulli Kelly of California and Michelle Amatulli of Connecticut; and nephew Anthony Amatulli of Brooklyn, NY.
He is joined in heaven with his brother Al Diaz, his parents Bernardina Perez Diaz and Amalio Diaz, and his nephew Santiago Tapia.
Family will receive their friends on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. John's Church, 31 Willow Street in Beacon. Interment will follow in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie.
