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Adam Diaz Obituary
Beloved husband, father and grandfather, and Phoenix's first Hispanic city councilman, passed away on Friday, March 5, 2010, surrounded by family in his home in Phoenix. He was 100. Diaz was born in Flagstaff, AZ in 1909 and moved to Phoenix as a child. He became the manager of the Luhr's properties, a position he held throughout his career. As a young man, he was invited by Barry Goldwater to participate on the City Charter government ticket for city council. He was elected and served on the city council in the early 1950's as a councilmember and vice mayor. He remained politically active throughout his life, serving on numerous boards and commissions, including school boards, heading the "Viva Kennedy" campaign in Arizona, and serving on the Clinton administration's White House Council on Aging. In 2007, the city of Phoenix named the Adam Diaz Senior Center in his honor. He is survived by his wife Francis, his daughters Sally and Olivia, and his son Joe, step-children Bobby, Frank, Hector, Ana, Susan, Maria and Victoria, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 10, 2010 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM with a Rosary from 7:00 - 8:00 PM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 909 S. 1st Ave., Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Please sign guest book at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Adam Diaz
Gilbert Estrada Mora Jr.
April 9, 2014
Peter & Teresa, What a great legacy Adam Diaz lived. May GOD continue to bless his SOUL and all his Familia. I was a childhood friend of Peter from Lowell, and was welcome into the home of Mr. Diaz and remember playing in the backyard along with great grandfather. God Bless You All!
Gilbert Mora
Lowell School Class of "72"
joy rock
April 4, 2010
i was saddened to hear of Mr. Diaz's death. I went to school with Mary Louise and knew her sisters.
Take care,
Joy Garrett Rock
Frances Chavez
April 3, 2010
I pray that tata diaz watch over the family and my he rest in peace.
March 16, 2010
My condolences to your family. May the God of comfort be with you (2nd Corint. 1:3 & 4). Your family and friends are in my prayers.
veronica mijares
March 15, 2010
I am deeply sorry to hear the news being that i had just asked about him yesterday at St.Anthonys Church, where we would see him and his lovely wife and daughter. They greeted me and my parents for the past twelve years as if we were family with hugs and kisses calling me precious and beautiful. I adored him. Hope to see you at church Sra.Diaz Que dios los bendiga.
Nancy Cordova-Espinoza
March 15, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Maricella Quezada
March 12, 2010
I feel bad that he had to live us but tata Diaz was my step great grand father he would show the book that he show to everybody when he was young. I remember when I told tata diaz I wish I was like him and he told I can do any thing if I want to.
Richard J. Trujillo
March 11, 2010
Dear Sally and Diaz Family : Whenever I walk by the Luhrs I often think of the two men who each had a positive impact on my life and career , Adam Diaz and Val Cordova . They always had time to listen to me as a young , sometimes quixotic lawyer in a hurry , and to suggest a better path to follow . I miss them and will always be grateful for their guidance and friendship.
Richard J. Trujillo
March 11, 2010
Dear Sally and Diaz Family : Whenever I walk by the Luhrs I often think of the two men who each had a positive impact on my life and career , Adam Diaz and Val Cordova . They always had time to listen to me as a young , sometimes quixotic lawyer in a hurry , and to suggest a better path to follow . I miss them and will always be grateful for their guidance and friendship.
LB
March 11, 2010
To the Diaz family may " the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our tribulation." comfort you during this difficult time --2 Corinthians. 1:3-4a.
tommy martinez
March 11, 2010
Dear Libby...It's been a long and rewading life your dad lived, sure he will be rewarded...my prayers to you and family...Tommy martinez
March 11, 2010
Lisa, Peter and Teresa, I have fond memories of your grandfather as we played as children in his home. May our dear Lord welcome him home after a life of service and dedication to all that is good and true.
Raul and Mairin Espericueta
March 10, 2010
Dear Olivia, I send you my sincere condolences on the loss of your father. What a role model you had for being a wholesome person and effective leader yourself! I remember how much you contributed to our St. Mary's High School Class of 1960 and the community activities you were involved with. then and in your adulthood. Olivia, you are a special friend and I know God will see you through this bittersweet time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I regret I am not able to come to any of the services since I am in El Mirage housesitting for my son and wife who are in Europe, and I have no transportation...but I will be with you in spirit. Love, Cecilia Roulston
Silvia Isenhour (nee Mendoza)
March 9, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Diaz family. Adam and Licha were a part of our growing up in the neighborhood, attending Lowell School and just being with the family. They were good friends to my parents, Chi Cho and Mary Mendoza. Adam and Licha were there when my first born was due. Adam graced us with his loving touch when we lost our parents. Thank you Adam for all you gave us; Gentle and sincere, your memory will be with us forever. Rest in Peace.
March 9, 2010
To my cousins Sally, Libby and Joe, My love and condolences goes out to you. I have always admired and looked up to my Tio. He did so much for so many people.You are in my heart and prayers.
Adam Peralta Hernandez
RACHEL OCHOA
March 8, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010
Rosita Espericueta
March 8, 2010
So many of us were touched by his gentleness and committed service to our community. His was a life well lived may you treasure the many memories of his life in your minds and hearts. May his new life in our Lord be peaceful and full of joy.
Please accept our deep felt sympathy and condolences.
Rosita & Martina Espericueta and family
ErLinda Tórres
March 8, 2010
Lisa,
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the entire Diaz family. It was an honor that your grandfather, shared his life with the entire community in Phoenix. He truly was a scholar and a gentleman whose "spirit" of goodwill will live among the communities he served. May God Bless Adam for his commitment and legacy to family.
Sinceramente,
ErLinda C. Tórres
Andrea Angulo Gutierrez
March 8, 2010
I have had the privilege of having Tata in my life for the last 22 years. I was married to his grandson Tom and we share a son together named Joseph. Tata, Frances, Sally, Dick, Tom, Janne, Ann, Theresa, Peter, Lisa, David, Joe, and Joseph's cousins have been an important part of his upbringing. He loves you all.
Tata was also my parents, Danny and Dorine Angulo's, friend. When they passed away, he was there with a kiss, hug and a smile for me and Joseph. I will miss his smiling eyes. My condolences to the Diaz family. I know Tata is upstairs right now singing "Que Bonita!"
March 8, 2010
Panchita and family, te acompano en tu pesame - I have many fond memories going back many years and occasions that will help me smile through this sadness. Lilly Gonzales - Post 41, Phx.
Lynne Parrish
March 8, 2010
I did not know Mr. Diaz but always wanted to meet him after seeing a story about his life on the Phoenix channel. If there ever were a man to be presented as a role model (for young men and women both), it would be Adam Diaz. He worked hard to become the man that he was and never waited for opportunities--he made them happen! My sincere condolences to the entire Diaz family. Your beloved Adam may not be present on this earth; but his spirit must surely live on in his children and grandchildren. God bless you all.
March 8, 2010
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Diaz family. It has been an honor and privilege to have known Adam and family,Sally, Mary Louise, Libby and Joe through my parents, Nick and Mary Perez. Adam will always be in our hearts and thoughts. Raymond and Linda Perez
JERRY TAYLOR
March 8, 2010
ADAM ALWAYS HAD A SMILE FOR ME. HE SET ME UP IN SEVERAL JOBS ON THE LUHRS PROPERTIES WHEN I WAS A PUNKY KID OF SIXTEEN. I LEARNED THE VALUE OF FAMILY FROM ADAM AND THE REST OF THE DIAZ FAMILY. IT WAS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT HE HAD THE RESPECT OF THE ENTIRE CITY OF PHOENIX. HE DIDN'T EVEN MIND ME HANGING AROUND HIS DAUGHTER..
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, SALLY, AND YOUR FAMILY.
Dr. Ramon Daniel
March 8, 2010
Our love and prayers for the Diaz family. Lydia Cadriel was in Sally's class at Lowell Elementary School. I (Ramon) was in Mary Louise's class. Lovely family. Adam and I met when he became councilman. He was a true gentleman.
Lisa Urias
March 7, 2010
The Diaz family would like to thank all of you who have written such beautiful notes. We truly appreciate your thoughts, prayers and memories if our beloved father and grandfather. Thanks to the Arizona Republic for providing this engaging format.
The Lees
March 7, 2010
Our sincere condolences to the Diaz family. Adam, thank you for being a friend to my family over the years and to your great work and influence in the Phoenix Latino community..... you will be missed!
Matthew Crane
March 7, 2010
I am member of the Luhrs Family as well as my mother Jean, father Milton,and sister Gretchen. We all feel a great loss. Adam Diaz was the property mgr. for the Luhrs Hotel, Building, Tower, Office Build., and Parking Center most of my life. I'm 47 and got to see Adam every day till March 1976 when my family sold our property, I will feel a loss and miss how givin he was as well as his children and grandchildren whom I grew up with.
Sonia & Robert Fairbanks
March 7, 2010
Tio Diaz adopted me and I adopted him and Tia Panchita. Tio Diaz was an example of what every man should try to be. He was a kind, classy and intelligent man. Our condolences to Tia Panchita and to his children. Tio Diaz is in heaven with his brother Virgil now. We pray that all of our memories of such a wonderful person will help all his family and friends get through this grief. He's in God's hands now. We love you Tio.
Rosanna Zollner
March 7, 2010
My sincere condolences to the Diaz Family. I had known Adam through my parents, ChiCho and Mary Mendoza, when I was a little girl in kindergarden at Lowell School. I always thought he was the kindest man I had ever known. He will truly be missed.
Beatriz and Eddie Cisneros
March 6, 2010
Adam Diaz's passing has left a void in the hearts of many who have had the pleasure of knowing him. My family knew Mr. Diaz since the 50's. He set a marvelous example in the fact that he was a leader in the Hispanic community and in the way that he raised his family. One of my favorite memories is of him singing for us on more than one of our trips to Mexicom the song, Cruz de Olvido. No Senor Diaz, nunca se nos va olvidar! Our condolences to Panchita and to his children.
pete gomez
March 6, 2010
I remember mr diaz back when i went to lowell school. his daughter libby was in my room,also when he worked at the luhrs bldg.my condolences to his family.
March 6, 2010
Adam, thank you for all the good you did in our Latino world & for being our
best Role Model.Que vayas con Dios y tu hermano Virgil--Ruben Madril
Ed Hermes
March 6, 2010
I had the honor to meet Adam Diaz and to know his family. Mr. Diaz is indeed a trailblazer and his family continues his legacy of working for justice. My condolences and love go out to all the decendents of Mr. Diaz.
Frank Miranda
March 6, 2010
Our heart goes out to la familia Diaz.
Nancy Gilliam
March 5, 2010
My condolences to the Diaz family. While I did not know him, Adam Diaz set a wonderful example for future generations to follow. He should be commended for all he gave to his community and to us.
Irene
March 5, 2010
What a terrible loss for his family but even more for the City of Phoenix. God Bless Adam Diaz
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