Christopher Joseph Diel

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Christopher Joseph Diel at the age of 44 on September 2, 2024. He is now reunited with his father in Heaven. Christopher was born on March 19, 1980, to Venancio Diel (September 16, 1946 – August 19, 2016) and Imelda (Demonteverde) Diel (born May 27, 1948). Christopher is also survived by his sister, Elaine Diel Velazquez (born March 25, 1978), his brother-in-law, Alex Velazquez (born June 22, 1980), and his beloved nephew, Valiente Velazquez (born April 2, 2021). Although born in Southern California, Christopher moved with his family to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1989, a place he always considered home. In 2023, he relocated to Henderson, Nevada, to be closer to his mother and sister's family. Christopher and Elaine shared a special bond, celebrating their close birthdays together every year with dinner and special moments. This deep connection was one of many cherished family traditions. Christopher’s love for sports was a passion inherited from his father, mother and sister. Some of his fondest memories were tailgating at the San Francisco Giants games, which fostered a lifelong love for baseball. He was also an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers and the Golden State Warriors. Christopher was also a movie buff with a particular appreciation for 80’s cult classics. The Breakfast Club could have been a weekly show that he would never tire of. He could quickly quote an impressive amount of pop culture films. Even after moving to Henderson, his heart remained in the Bay Area, where his love for the teams and the community never faded. In addition to sports, Christopher enjoyed music, bowling, attending concerts, and spending time at family gatherings. His dedication to family was central to his life. The passing of his father in 2016 deeply impacted him, reinforcing the importance of family, which ultimately led him to move closer to his loved ones. Christopher also had a close relationship with his extended family, especially all of his cousins. He will always be fondly remembered by them, especially for ensuring everyone had an ice cream "Drumstick" during family gatherings. Christopher was known for his radiant smile, infectious humor, and lighthearted spirit. He had a knack for sharing funny quotes like: “Security at every level of the airport is insane until you get to baggage claim. Then it’s like, take whatever bag you want.” He could brighten any room and bring laughter to any situation, no matter how tough. His warmth, kindness, and joyful presence will be missed by all who knew him. Though Christopher has left this world early, his memory will live on in our hearts, a testament to the lasting impact he had on his family and friends.