Aurelio (Papo) Diaz Jr.

Our Champion Has Hung Up His Gloves!

Aurelio (Papo) Diaz Jr., age 74, passed away peacefully on May 9th, 2024. He was born on March 14th, 1950, in Humacao, Puerto Rico to Aurelio Diaz, Sr. and Alicia Torres.

He migrated to New York City when he was just 2-years-old. For many of his younger years, the boogie down Bronx was his territory, which is where he graduated from Alfred E. Smith High School.  

He was a hardworking man. For 35 years, he proudly worked in the Plumbing trade.  He valued his work and instilled a strong work ethic in his children.

In 1988, after a few years of battling drug addiction, Papo’s life was transformed when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His favorite scripture was found in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Papo was a deeply spiritual man who indeed became a new person and constantly shared God’s love with others. He was an example of a man driven by his purpose and faith in God.

Papo was an inspiration to all who knew him and was loved and admired by many. He loved Jesus and lived a life full of the fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.

The impact of Papo’s life will be felt for years to come. If he was not sharing his love of God, you would catch him listening to music, playing Dominoes, or watching his favorite sports, Boxing and his beloved NY Mets.

Papo’s legacy will live on forever through the many stories he shared and the memories of those who had the opportunity to know him. He will be remembered for his quick wit and ability to put a smile on anyone’s face.

Papo had a gentle and quiet spirit that impacted all who knew him. He always had a song on his lips.  He loved being with his family and celebrating any special day or event. Papo was so proud of all his children and grandkids. Whenever he had the chance, he would proudly, but humbly, speak of their accomplishments. He would say “God has been so faithful to me.”

Papo will be remembered as a loving devoted Husband, Dad, Papa, Father-in-law, Brother, Brother-in-law, Uncle, and Friend.

For the last 16 years of his life, Papo fought the terrible disease known as Parkinson’s, but never once did he lose his joy and hope. He believed that one day he would be healed and made whole, and that day has finally come.

Another one of his favorite scriptures is found in 2 Tim. 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Indeed, Papo, like a good champion, fought the fight and won the race. He has passed on the baton. Now, it is up to us to keep on running the race of faith so that one day we can meet with Papo again in Heaven.

Papo is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years Sandra Diaz.

Sons; Aurelio Jr., Michael, Juan Carlos, and Joshua.

Daughter; Lisa.

Grandkids; Jaime, Aaron, Emily, Jeremiah, Jaden, Blake, Olivia and a soon-to-be born baby (whom he was so excited about, and hoped to be a boy).

He is also survived by his siblings: Maria, Ruben, Iris, Irma, and David.

Services:   Visitation will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024 from 2:00-3:00 PM with a Celebration of Life to begin at 3:00 PM at Haisley Funeral Home, Fort Pierce.