Benjamin A. Diaz

1933 - 2016

Born on 8-17-1933 in Colorado; came to California in 1940. Passed away 12-1-2016. Predeceased by his parents Joe and Juanita Diaz, his brothers Nick, Fred and Reye Diaz, his sister Lily Negrete and also his son Paul. Survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Wendy Diaz (Armbruster) and their three children John, Peter and Benjamin and his children Tamara Diaz (Dorrell), Todd Michael and Joshua Diaz from a previous marriage. Survived also by his two sisters Alvie Alvarez and Gloria Parrot. Also survived by many grandchildren, great-grand children; nieces and nephews. Benjamin served during the Korean Conflict and became a Sergeant and received Honorable discharge. He attended Sacramento schools and received his JD in law from UOP McGeorge School of Law and graduated in 1966. After practicing law briefly, he was hired in the Sacramento Public Defender's Office working there for 13 years. Then he was appointed to Sacramento Municipal Court and later elevated to Sacramento Superior Court. He was the first Mexican-American to be appointed in Northern California to Superior Court. He retired from the bench in 1986 and began doing private judging until a year before his death. While his work was important, his greatest passion was his devotion to family, always there to help everyone. His last request was for his family and friends to keep the faith and remember him in their prayers and rosaries. Like St. Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Memorial services will be held Dec. 9th, 2016. Visitation at 9am, Rosary 10:30am, Mass at 11am and Reception 1pm. at St. Mary's Funeral Center, 6509 Fruitridge Rd, Sacramento, CA 95820.