John Diaz

John G. Diaz, Jr. passed peacefully on August 17, 2025. A native New Orleanian, John was born on January 9, 1938, in St. Peter Claver parish.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Vida Diaz, his sister, Gwendolyn Gadsen, and his beloved wife, Charmaine Reed Diaz.

John graduated from St. Augustine Catholic High School and was proud to be their fourth drum major. He attended Southern University and was drum major there before moving to Los Angeles, where he worked for Pacific Bell phone company. He and Charmaine shared a love of traveling throughout the United States and Europe. A true lover of the arts, he enjoyed the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and especially his passion for jazz music. John looked forward each year to the Louisiana Jazz & Heritage Festival where he celebrated the music that inspired him throughout his life.

To the delight of family and friends, he was also an extraordinary cook who loved sharing meals and hospitality. He delighted in sharing birthdays with loved ones.

After retiring to New Orleans, John was active in Our Lady of the Rosary Church as cross bearer and usher.

He leaves to cherish his memory his caring sisters-in-law, Charlee Reed Jones and Aloma Reed Lykes, his goddaughter, Adriane Powell, friends, and his Pleasure Street neighbors.

Private funeral arrangements by The Professionals Funeral Services. Please consider donating to St. Augustine High School in his memory.