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Enrique Diaz Obituary
Rochester - Born April 9th, 1955 in Fajardo, P.R. Died in Rochester on May 31st, 2020 after being clean and sober since September 3rd, 1985. He taught social studies at East High School and at School 17 from where he retired two years ago. He is remembered for his quick wit, his generous heart and his noble soul. He is survived by several cousins and friends, each of whom he treasured. He will always be held with deep love in the memories of his wife, Kathleen; children, Ivonne Byrnes, Vanessa and Sean McNamara; grandchildren, Scarlett, Mia, Ryan James; siblings, Yolanda Diaz and Joseph Fernandez. A private funeral mass will be presided over by Fr. McGrath at St. Michael's Catholic Church on June 4th. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Instead of flowers or cards, donations may be made to the Oncology Dept of Golisano Children's Hospital at 601 Elmwood Ave Rochester, NY 14642.
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Memories and Condolences
for Enrique Diaz
Terry Forward
June 5, 2020
It was an honor to be Enriques colleague at East High School. Enrique met each day with enthusiasm, creativity, and kindness. He was able to handle the many challenges of teaching middle school with cheerful equanimity, and I greatly admired the firm, fair, and friendly relationship he had with all of his students. It was obvious that Enrique loved his students, and abundantly obvious that he adored his family. My sincerest condolences to Enriques family and many friends. We have lost a good man.
Jerry and Marie Cutaia
June 5, 2020
Dear Katie and family,
We are so very sorry and broken hearted to learn of the passing of Enrique, your loving husband, doting father and adoring grandfather. He loved you all and was such a proud family man who loved to share stories about his precious family.
Fortunately, we were blessed to have him as our wonderful, caring neighbor and friend. Enrique was always offering his help and looking out for everyone. His genuine smile, giving spirit and friendly disposition will always be remembered and his memories will live on in our hearts forever. We will miss him immensely and are here for you, Katie.
God bless you and your family during this very difficult time.
Our sincere sympathies,
Jerry and Marie Cutaia
Jerry and Marie Cutaia
June 5, 2020
Dear Katie and family,
We are so very sorry and broken hearted to learn of the passing of Enrique, your loving husband, doting father and adoring grandfather. He was so proud of and loved all of you. Fortunately, we were blessed to have Enrique he as our wonderful, caring neighbor and friend. His kind spirit, genuine smile and giving nature will always be remembered. Memories of Enrique will remain in our hearts forever.
We are sending you our heartfelt concern and prayers for you and your family in this time of sorrow.
God bless,
Jerry and Marie Cutaia
Karen Miller
June 5, 2020
Too soon. An old-school gentleman with a joyful heart. I think of his quick step, his friendly jibes and his frequent consultation of that ever--present folded up little paper - his 'to-do-list' - in his pocket. (He seemed to take great satisfaction in crossing off an item!) I think Enrique was a substitute father for many of his students in single-parent families, which was a challenging role. He 'didn't play', as the kids would say, and was not afraid to butt heads when he knew it was in students' best interest; he cared deeply about them. Pax Christi, my friend. I hope God puts me on your 'to-do' list to pray for in heaven.
Paula Linza
June 5, 2020
Wonderful friend and colleague! He had the best jokes; and an advocate for all noble, fair things!
Leslie McFarlane
June 4, 2020
I retired with Enrique from School 17 almost 2 years ago. We worked together every Friday morning in a collegial circle our last year. I am grateful I got to know him. He was such a positive spirit and a joyful face to pass in the hall. Just a lively man. My love to his family and friends.
Roberta Liebhaber
June 3, 2020
I will miss you dearly, my friend and colleague at East High. You exemplified the best as a teacher and more importantly as a human being.
Craig McManus
June 3, 2020
Enrique and I met at SUNY Brockport while taking graduate classes in education. Months later, much to our surprise, we reconnected as middle school teachers at East High. We worked together and shared many students for several years. Enrique always had a friendly greeting, a kind word, a challenging remark, or a corny joke! After leaving East, we often ran into one another by pure happenstance--as recently as this past March. My condolences to his family for the loss of such a bright light in their lives.
Sean Banks
June 3, 2020
My condolences to the family. He was a pleasure to work with at East. He had a great spirit about him. I appreciate all his hard work serving the kids in the Rochester community.
Jeff Christiano
June 3, 2020
I just learned about Enrique's passing and I am deeply saddened. Enrique was such a beautiful person...he would always stop and talk to me about what he was cooking or what he had the night before. He always made you feel like you were the most important person around. He will be missed. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ada Cruz
June 3, 2020
Fue maestro de mis hijos en la East High School. Uno de los mejores maestros. Gracias por todo...Te vamos a extrañar mucho. Fortaleza a toda la familia. Descanza en Paz Mr.Diaz.
Mary Ellen Dennis
June 3, 2020
I worked with Enrique at East. He was a kind man, with gentle soul who touched many at school. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Ivelisse De Jesús
June 3, 2020
Jamas olvidaré tu compasión y tu pasión para ayudar a educar a nuestros estudiantes. Espero que estés alumbrando al cielo con tu sonrisa. Mis mas sentido pésame a toda su familia. Qué descanses en paz Mr. Diaz.
Tito Radomir Pedroso
June 3, 2020
One of the best teachers Ive ever had. Genuine full of life always made you laugh even when you didnt feel like it. He showed you he cared and didnt not allowed you to settle for less than your potential. Intelligent, kind hearted and always honest. Somehow when one needed advise he always knew what to say and I cant stress enough how great of a sense of humor he had. God bless you Mr Diaz. Forever grateful
Marianela
June 2, 2020
El fue uno a d mis maestro q me empujó mucho para pudiera pasar mis grados encima d todos sus estudiantes deveras q fue el mejor maestro d la east high el mejor te vamos a extrañar mucho gran maestro
MELISSA MORALE
June 2, 2020
Mr. Diaz was such a great soul. I learned much from him my first few years of teaching. Very dedicated man. Thank you for everything. My prayers and sympathy goes out to the family.
Stephanie Bliss
June 2, 2020
My condolences to the family. Like many others who have signed the guest book I too worked with him at East. He will be missed. Praying for strength and comfort.
Lisa Lewis
June 2, 2020
My condolensces to the family. I worked with Enrique at East. He was always full of smiles and joy. I remember spending time in his room having wonderful conversations. He was well revered by colleagues and students. I had the pleasure of running into him at my new school a few months ago. May he rest peacefully and with love.
Lucia Espinosa
June 2, 2020
Siento mucho el fallecimiento de mi colega Enrique. Tenía un espíritu alegre y quería tanto a sus alumnos especialmente a los chiquitos!
Lucia Espinosa
June 2, 2020
Enrique, you looked so happy when I saw you once at the parking lot of # 17. You loved those children. You gave such good advice to our students because you cared deeply about them. Qué Dios te bendiga!
Michael Baskin
June 2, 2020
Please accept my deepest heartfelt condolences for Enrique's passing. Meeting, working with, and getting to know Enrique was truly a blessing in my life. We were both born on the exact day and year in two different places. He in Puerto Rico and me in Syracuse, NY. How often in life do we meet people who share the same date and year of our birth? Enrique was an amazing spirit who like most people overcame adversity in his life to lead, inspire and motivate the children whose lives he touched in the RCSD. I cherish our days together teaching at East H.S. and will remember him with love for the rest of my days. I will especially smile and look to the heaven's every April 9th and wish my birthday buddy eternal peace.
Gregory Simmons
June 2, 2020
Sending prayers to Juniors immediate and extended family during this time of grief. He will be greatly missed but always remembered for his compassion, joy, sincerity and goodness he spread wherever he was. God bless Junior and his beautiful family.
Aaron Boucher
June 2, 2020
Along with many of my friends and colleagues, we are all still in shock. It was just yesterday that he was on our floor- feeding us and making everyone laugh.
Enrique was a mentor, a friend, a father figure and that honest opinion you needed to hear. We had countless political debates and even more hugs and he always loved and cared for everyone he came in contact with, especially the children he taught.
I wont miss the Monday mornings after your Patriots would embarrass my Bills, but I will always miss spending time with you, laughing at the absurdity and complexity of this thing we call life, and especially your old school sense of humor, charm and never ending wit.
Mr. Diaz, I am struggling to type this now, but know that you were loved and that you will be missed. Big time.
-Aaron
Catriena Burke
June 2, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. It was a honor to know Mr. Diaz. He was a blessing to our children at #17 school. He will be missed ♥♥
Patrick M. Rausch
June 2, 2020
Enrique was one of the nicest people I ever met. It was a honor to have worked with him.
Laura Delehanty
June 2, 2020
Enrique was such a kind soul and a true role model for his students at East. It was an honor to work alongside him. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed Enrique.
Chris Slifka
June 2, 2020
I had the honor and privilege of working with Enrique at East. Like many others have mentioned, his spirit and demeanor were a joy to be around and will be sadly missed, fondly remembered and never forgotten. My most sincere condolences to the entire Diaz family.
Grace Diaz-Tubbs
June 2, 2020
He was a kind, loving and generous family man. In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Gary Dermody
June 2, 2020
I am saddened to read of Enriques passing and will keep you in my prayers. Enrique was a great coworker at East High School and loved by the students. I will miss his laugh and great stories. It was an honor to know Enrique.
Maycanitza Perez
June 1, 2020
Mi más sentido pésame. Great supporter of Bilingual Scholars at East. Que descanse en paz.
Nilda Carmona
June 1, 2020
I met Enrique Díaz at school 17. He was a very supportive and helpful colleague.May he RIP.My deepest condolences to the family.
Elainne Martinez
June 1, 2020
The sweetest man. I will forever miss your good-morning mamita Always happy, always in a good mood and always willing to help. My condolences to the Diaz family. I cant believe I am even writing this right now. May you Rest In Peace Mr. Diaz!
Kelly Carrillo
June 1, 2020
There are of course, people that knew him longer than I did. I was his student from 7th to 9th grade. I would like to say that I am happy that I got to know an amazing human being and such a great teacher and leader. Hes in a better place now.
Yolanda Diaz
June 1, 2020
Te recordaremos siempre. Tu hermana Yolanda y tus sobrinas Astrid, Arlene y Yoann.
Yolanda Diaz
June 1, 2020
Te recordare siempre. Tu hermana Yolanda y tus sobrinas Astrid, Arlene y Yoann.
Amy Lewis Agnitti
June 1, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Enrique touched more lives than Im sure he ever realized. I worked with him at East HS, and he was one of my favorite coworkers, and the nicest man. He will be missed.
Larry White
June 1, 2020
He was good Man, with a great spirit,very generous person.
Annette Tassey
June 1, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss. Enrique was wonderful to work with, always so full of joy, so exuberant. His laugh was legendary at East High. He and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed, Enrique. Annette
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