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Richard DIEZ Obituary
"Chi Chi" pas-sed away unexpectedly Nov. 10, 2014. Chi Chi was born Nov. 7, 1950. He is predeceased by his father Robert Diez Sr. He is survived by his mother, Esther Diez; brother, Bobby (Tina); his sister, Cynthia (Steve); his daughter, Tahai, and her mother, Vakai. Chi-Chi, as he was so fondly called by his multitude of friends that spanned over 50 years, will be missed dearly! Cheech was an independent soul with a heart of gold, and a man of his word. He was a TRUE friend, a loving father, son, and brother, and had a smile that lit up every room (always having a vivid and elaborate story to tell, that sometimes dropped your jaw! But you must know, there were many elements of truth in them!!!) After Tahai, his daughter was born there was a rebirth of Chi Chi, as well! She became the focus of his life, raising her with love, respect, and as she grew older, gave her the knowledge and support, to pave her own way. He was the father that any daughter would dream of having: open minded, "cool", funny, and honest. I am sure Tahai would say "I am proud to call you MY dad!!" A Celebration of his Life will be held Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Hula Bay Club, 5210 West Tyson Ave, Tampa, poolside from 3-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, 1307 N. MacDill Ave., Tpa, Fl 33607.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard DIEZ
Sponsored by The Burn Notice Producers.
George Schmidt
November 7, 2023
Cheech, I will always remember the great times we had together in the early days you were one the funniest guys I ever met and you had a natural personalty and always a good friend. Thanks for all the memories!! George Schmidt
Ted Mondzelewski
November 7, 2021
Miss you my friend... what a privilege it was to be your friend... hope your family is well...
Ted Mondzelewski
November 7, 2019
My one real regret of moving from West Tampa when I was 13 was not being able to continue to grow up with my dear friend Chi Chi and know him as an adult, father and awesome person.
I was truly saddened by hearing about his passing... maybe only knowing him as a12 year old will keep him young whenever I recall his friendship...
Virginia thompsomn
April 21, 2018
I will always love the times we had. I had no idea you had left us. Rest in peace on of my best pals ever!
George Schmidt
July 9, 2015
Rest in Peace Chi, I just found out today of your passing and I am so sad to hear the news. I have not been in touch for over 30yrs but I never forgot you. We were roommates back in the day in Tampa and I never had more fun then when we were young guys together. I read all these messages and I guess that crazy stand up comedian never left you. I told you many times that was your calling. I never met your daughter but my best wishes are with her. I am going to add my email in case she would like to reach out to me. Again I am so sorry to hear the news!!! [email protected]
Nila Ransom-Postupack
March 26, 2015
To Ester, Cynthia, Bobby Jr. and Family. So very sorry for your loss. ChiChi was a good man. Always true to himself, open and honest. He will be missed.
Love,
Your Ram Sea Family
Chris Heath
March 17, 2015
I hadn't seen Chi Chi for many years, but I was reminiscing about him with Bill Miller just a few months ago. We went to Plant High together, and I feel like I knew Chi Chi from somewhere else (Wilson?), but I can't remember how. But I remember this - Chi Chi was probably the funniest guy I ever knew (in a very good way). Just being himself, he was like a stand-up comedian, and I remember that he cracked me up regularly. I liked being around him, as did many others. I'm sure he is dearly missed by his daughter, other family, and friends.
I'm kind of cheered by this I'll bet that somewhere they're sitting around talking, and God is laughing his butt off at Chi Chi's stories. Talk about a good time .
Rest in peace, my friend -
Ricky Damazio
January 27, 2015
RIP Cheech. We will always remember you and the great times we shared working together. We will be missed.
Rick and Donna
Kevin
December 12, 2014
I can't say I knew Cheech very well. I met him rather late in his life. That being said, even the small amount of time I spent with him gave me memories that will last a lifetime. A very wise man with an amazing storyteller. You will be missed, Cheech. RIP
December 5, 2014
Chichi...What a sweet soul...I remember him working on the film Rapanui...One day after we wrapped around 7 pm. everybody left to town about 10 miles away after a storm had developed in the course of the day and started blowing 75 miles per hour wind, Chichi realized that we weren't at the hotel...He quickly left town in our rescue. He came all of the way to Raraku, the Moai quarry, to rescue and bring us back to town 10 miles away. So sad to hear about his passing, my condolences to Tahai and Vakai...RIP CHICHI...SANTI HITORANGI-RAPANUI
1963 West Tampa Little League All Stars
ted mondzelewski
December 3, 2014
ChiChi, I am so sorry to hear of your passing....but to read the comments your were certainly a very special person to so many and you permanently touched their lives with so much joy.
I was glad to have you as a friend in my short time in West Tampa '63-'65 and will always cherish the West Tampa Little League years , the Boys Club, and Junior High with your infectious humor and great attitude about life.
You and your family befriended the new Polish kid from Miami and helped me fit in during those early teenage years like you knew me forever...for that I will always be grateful. My Dad and I still talk about those fond memories as if they were literally yesterday with great happiness.
My sincerest condolences to your family and friends....we will all dearly miss you.
Barbie
November 30, 2014
Rest in Peace my friend .
Arlene Quelle-Favata
November 24, 2014
Esther, Cynthia, Bobby and daughter Tahai, My deepest heartfelt condolences to the entire family. I will always remember Chi Chi and the fun times we had in Jr. High, and the Friday night Boys Club dances. Sending thoughts and prayers to your family.
Terry Miller
November 23, 2014
I will miss our van rides together, always great music playing and even greater stories. You will be missed, Cheech.
Vee Yerrid
November 17, 2014
Cheech I am grateful to have called you my friend for over 40 years. I will miss the texts on every holiday, including my birthday. You never forgot. We all always thought you should have been a comedian, for your humor was infectious. I know your beautiful daughter was the most important
thing in the whole world to you. We are all proud of the father you were. I realized today that you were
the only man in my life that never made me cry. Better yet, you always made me smile. I love you,
my friend. Peace.
Vee Yerrid, Tampa, Fl
Wendy Grimes
November 16, 2014
Cheech- you will be missed more than you know. I could always count on you brighten my day and remind me that life should not be taken too seriously. Thanks for being a great friend, confidant and trusted neighbor. You truly brightened my days and were someone I truly trusted. Rest in peace. Xoxo. P.S. Beach avenue will never be the same....
November 16, 2014
Cheech, your Beach Avenue Crew will miss you terribly. In Heaven, may you forever make footprints in the sand and feel the warm sun upon your smiling face.
Love forever in our hearts for you, Beach Avenue
Richard DiPietra
November 16, 2014
One of the funniest people I've ever known! Gonna really miss him.
Tina Horne
November 15, 2014
I will miss him very much. Thankful I got to talk to him just a little bit ago. It will not be the same without getting a text from him on every holiday. The "Napkin" and his family are in my prayers!
Emily Pendas
November 15, 2014
Cheech! I always looked forward to getting into your van. I loved hearing your jokes, your stories, your laughter and your voice! I used to tease you about getting on the radio! You had such a great voice! I'm so sad to hear of your passing. My heart goes out to your family, especially your daughter, whom you were so proud of, always showing her picture around and sharing stories.
You were a sweet, sweet man and I will miss you.
Love and Peace to you my friend.
Olie Gonzalez
November 15, 2014
RIP Cheech! We had some good times and many laughs. You will be missed!
Your sis
November 15, 2014
I will miss u so much, u were a great brother. I will do what I can for ur daughter. I love u. Can't wait till we meet u again.
Colette & Midnight Hailey
November 15, 2014
Dearest Cheech, you are so deserving of crossing over peacefully. We will miss you and are honored to have had the opportunity to know you.
John Rosende
November 15, 2014
Cheech, even now I can't help but smile when I think of you. You were a very special lifelong friend blessed with an incredible sense of humor, impeccable memory and sincerely concerned about the well being of his family and friends. When last we met back in August your last words to me and me to you was "Love you Brother". God Bless You!
Pam Weiss
November 15, 2014
I will miss you Chi Chi. You helped me on "Great Expectations" and I'll never forget your karaoke version of " Chantilly Lace" many years later in another job.
EK Keratsis
November 14, 2014
Cheech posed for his Burn Notice yearbook photo as an "American Tough Guy" and we both laughed because in reality, he was one of the kindest people I've ever known. Years ago, my son missed his flight to see his grandparents in Tampa. He didn't call me, he called Cheech and Cheech DROVE HIM THE WHOLE WAY because he thought it would be fun! They stayed friends forever after their crazy road trip. He refused to take even gas money from my grateful father. How much you've done for my family and I over the years. And how much I have enjoyed seeing every photo of your beautiful daughter as she grew and celebrated every triumph as Cheech related them to us. I would be hard pressed to say I ever met a more proud father. Cheech, I'm grateful to have known you, loved you and remembered to tell you that. But the loss of you on set, in reel life and real life, is enormous.
Nick Romanac
November 14, 2014
I hope Heaven has a Property Dept. so "Chi Chi " can always be my Prop Truck driver. From myself, Nick Romanac and my wife, Lynette Bernay, we lost a good friend!!!!
Dennis/Erika Rodriguez
November 14, 2014
Our visits to the beach just won't be the same with out you. I will miss your witty charm and sense of humor. Your love for life and infamous words to live by"never worry about the world behind you once your here" as we hung out at the end of the days watching the sun set will stay in my heart forever. I promise to always be there for your #1 and continue to guide her through this journey of life. Rest in peace now.....you will be missed. Love you!
Vakai Pont
November 14, 2014
I will miss you so very much my love, RIP and watch over our baby girl.
kelly diez
November 14, 2014
very sorry a great man is no longer with us
Gene Sainz
November 14, 2014
My deepest condolences go out to the family! A life well lived and one great guy and friend who'll be missed by many!
November 14, 2014
Rest in Peace Chi Chi...A life well lived! You'll be missed by many!
Buck & Jane Duke
November 14, 2014
We have known Cheech for many years and had just received a phone call from him three days before he passed. He has always been constant with his humor and great stories. He spoke mostly of Thaia and how proud of her he was. She gave him so much purpose that he said he would do whatever it took to see her happy and accomplish her dreams. Great father and friend. We will miss you very much my friend. Heaven is a better place now having you there. For sure there will more smiles there because of your humor and friendliness. RIP
joyce alcala
November 14, 2014
Chi Chi I will never forget you as you were my first love back when we were junior high school.
My prayers go out to your mom and family and friends. You were unforgettable.....Love Joyce
Jules Siegmund
November 14, 2014
Oh, Cheech, Just spoke with you last week, you were so excited about coming home for your birthday. Now my sweet friend you are really home. Please know you were loved by so many and will be missed! We will see you again in the big band in the sky. Jules and Gene
Dorwyl "Pinky" Williams
November 13, 2014
What a great person who I have had a pleasure to have worked and laugh with, many a days ! Just the thought of you brings smiles of joy and comfort and will miss you as you make your new journey through the Havens above. R.I.P brother and friend.
Juli and john Kestner
November 13, 2014
Chi u were a great friend and fun to work with. U will be missed. RIP
Bill Paser
November 13, 2014
Chi was my Captain on the first movie I worked Gone Fishing, fun guy to work with.
Frank Mirabella
November 13, 2014
Growing up with you was a wonderful experience. You were truly the funniest guy that I ever knew. Goodbye my friend.
November 13, 2014
I will miss your smiling face. I am lucky to have worked with you.
Beverly Visitacion
Randa Squillacote
November 13, 2014
Cheech you are the best! I will miss you and you silly humor. RIP my friend.
Erin Koplow
November 13, 2014
Always with a beautiful smile on your face!!!
Dolores hernandez Djuric
November 13, 2014
Rest in peace
You will be missed??
November 13, 2014
I will miss your smile, your voice, your hugs.....Pam Holdridge
Chick Nunez
November 13, 2014
Checho, I can't begin to express my disbelief when I found out you had left us.Even though we hadn't seen each other since you got me close enough to watch a scene filmed for "Cop and a Half" you were never far away from my mind. I remember the night we beat Hillsborough 4-3 and you showed up at my house because you wanted to continue the celebration with us. I thought that was so cool because it was spontaneous on your part.We worked together when you got me the job with Medical Supply Co. Those people had no idea what they were doing put us on the road together in their trucks! Haha! I remember playing PONY league when we were 13 and I kept asking you questions about quarterbacking at West Tampa Jr. High. I wanted to know how it felt to play football at school because that is what I wanted to do at Wilson the next year. I remember after the baseball season at Plant and Coach Riveiro put the end of the year stats on the wall in the locker room. I hit .333 and got pumped because I thought I led the team in hitting until I saw you hit .342!!!Whenever we went out I knew there would be no shortage of female companionship because you were a magnet for women. In a good way.Playing softball was another fun chapter for me. You lead off and I was in the 2 hole. The one time that we still talk about at my parent's house is the day we were coming back from the beach and we were inebriated somewhat. You stuck your head out the window for some reason and your glasses blew off your face!! As we turned around to get them, all you kept saying is "my pepelitos! My pepelitos!" You had to be there.
Checho I know I will never forget you and I thank you for all the confidence you gave me just by being my friend.I offer my deepest condolences to your Mom, Bobby, Cynthia and your daughter. Rest in Peace Checho...I love you...tell Tommy I said hello!
November 13, 2014
Good bye my Florida West Coast co-worker may the sun always set with you over the Sunshine Skyway.
Pamela Alessandrelli
Rocky Rocamora
November 13, 2014
ChiChi,gone but will never be forgotten,heart of gold,a true freind, and awesome dad. Love you my brother.
John Trujillo
November 13, 2014
My grieving heart goes out to the Diez family with my deepest condolences.My childhood and grown up friend and cousin, you will be missed. All of my love and peace to you. RIP my amigo.
Anne Roque
November 13, 2014
We will always remember Cheech's smile and great sense of humor. He will truly be missed.
Sergio and Annie Roque (Burn Notice family)
AnnDee Rucker
November 13, 2014
Much love Cheech !
What a smile and sense of humor .
The Best
Eddie moressi
November 13, 2014
Rest in peace
Regina Crowley
November 13, 2014
Cheech, you were always a happy, laid back dude; amusing and a delight to be around. You left us too soon. You had so much more to share. We will miss you.
Scott Clements
November 13, 2014
I had lots of fun times, great conversations, and lots of laughs with this man. I will miss you.
November 13, 2014
There was no body like Chi Chi. He was as individual of a man as GOD could ever make. He will always remain my good friend! Mike Merino
Mario Nunez
November 13, 2014
Wow! This comes as a bit of a shock. I had not seen Chi Chi in years, but always heard about him working on this Production or that one as a Teamsters driver. From the time I was little he was around. He played baseball and (later) softball with my brothers, Chick and Phil. He was a Plant High dual sport guy, funny and full of life. Of all the nicknames I recall from all those West Tampa guys (Chupi, Pickle, Pupi, etc.) Chi Chi was the one that stood out. I'm so sorry to learn of his passing. To his brother Bobby (my high school coach), and his entire familia please accept our heartfelt condolences. There was only one Chi Chi Diez, and we will always remember him that way.
Rick Calderoni
November 13, 2014
"Cheech" you were one in a million cuz! I will truly miss your heart, soul and most of all of the laughter you brought to me on a regular basis! I am sure the heavens could use some laughter and I couldn't think of a better person to bring it there!
RIP "Cousin Cheech"
Mary Ruiz Fernandez
November 13, 2014
Mary Ruiz Fernandez & Bobby Ruiz
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