Gilberto "Gilbert" Diaz

Gilberto (Gilbert) Diaz, age 79 passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 in Munster, IN, with his family by his side. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Sofie Ogrizovich-Diaz; loving father of Jenny Diaz, Edna Diaz, Ivette (Benny) Mahedo, Evelyn Diaz, Lisa Diaz and Deedee (Turo) Gonzalez; devoted grandfather of Anthony Watkins, Jesenia Ryan, Simon Olivarez, Richie Gonzalez, Diamond Galvan, Jelah Winfield and Ari Gonzalez; 7 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Josephine (Chefa) Diaz and family; mother-in-law Amalie Ogrizovich;  brother-in-law Mane (Sonja) Ogrizovich and family; and many cousins and dear lifetime friends.

Gilbert was born on November 14, 1943, in Maunabo, Puerto Rico. As a young boy, he and his parents (Jando and Nacha) migrated to Northwest Indiana. They lived in Gary, IN for a brief time and finally settled in East Chicago, IN. Gilbert had two passions in life.  The first one was serving his beloved City of East Chicago as a Police officer, retiring with 23 years of service, then serving as Building Commissioner, Director of Emergency Management and ending his service as Director of Security for the School City of East Chicago. His second passion was his “Salsa” music.  In the 60’s Gilbert created his own group “Gilberto Diaz Y Su Combo”, playing at various Chicago dinner and night clubs for many years. Gilbert continued with his love for “Salsa” by promoting, managing and playing with many of the top Salsa bands and artists such as El Gran Combo, Tito Puente, Jerry Rivera, Andy Montanez, Tito Nieves and so many more.

One of Gilbert’s highlights in life was receiving the Medal of Valor for surrendering himself to save the life of a young lady being held at gun point during a hostage situation. Gilbert was also very proud of the “Gilbert Diaz Holiday Help Foundation” which he created to help less fortunate families with food and toys for the children during the holiday season.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Alejandro (Jando) and Ignacia (Nacha) Diaz and his beloved brother Miguel (Mike) Diaz.

To know Gilbert was to love Gilbert!

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2023, from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Solan Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave. Schererville, IN. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 11, 2023, directly at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3510 Deodar St, East Chicago, IN. Gilbert will lie-in-state from 9:30 AM until time of Mass. Burial at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN. Solanpruzinfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.