Antonio DIAZ

DIAZ, Antonio Pedro "Tony" 87 years old, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2020. He was a life-long resident of Tampa, Florida and grew up in Ybor City, the son of Antonio and Adelina Diaz. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sylvia; children, Barbara Diaz Juskowski (Edward), Antonio P. Diaz Jr., MD (Jacqueline), Nancy Diaz Andreasen (David); and grandchildren, Kevin Juskowski (Sarah), Avery Diaz, and Megan Andreasen; his sister, Linda Highsmith (Jap); nephews, Richard Fernandez, Eric Highsmith, and Jason Highsmith; sister-in-law, Diana Anton; nephew, Mark Anton and niece, Rebecca Anton. Tony was a graduate of Hillsborough High School and earned a degree in Education from the University of Tampa. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1953-55 during the Korean War, he completed his degree and started his career as an educator. He taught Spanish at Franklin Junior High School in Tampa, Palm Harbor Elementary and retired from Tarpon Springs Middle School after teaching for 39 years. During summers, he worked many jobs as a painter, mail carrier, swim instructor, and lunch delivery driver to underprivileged children at local parks. He was lovingly known by the names Tony, Pop, Alo, Abuelo, and Junee. He was deeply devoted to his children and grandchildren and his dedication to them was felt by everyone who knew him. Tony was a man of many talents. He was a fast learner and was self-taught in an endless list of skills. Most noteworthy are woodworking and furniture building, construction, auto repair, gardening, stained-glass crafts, leather working, and macramé. Tony could repair most anything. His most passionate hobby was sailing on his beloved Hobie 16. You could find him most Saturdays on the Dunedin Causeway skimming the water as he would fly a hull in the Florida sunshine.The family will not be having any services at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Meals on Wheels of Tampa.