Gloria Celeste Diaz

Gloria Celeste Diaz, affectionately called Mama by her family, went on to her eternal rest at age 89 on December 5, 2025. She has gone on to join her son, Jason Beltrez.

Gloria is survived by her children, Maria Marte, Acela Figueroa, Ramon Beltrez, and Eduardo Bermúdez, as well as her 12 grandchildren: Charisse Celeste Marte, Christine Marte, Christian Somma, Arianna Beltrez, Jason Beltrez Jr., Chrystal Ramirez, Amanda Figueroa-Mercandetti, Alanis Celeste Beltrez, Erika Bermúdez, and Eduardo Bermúdez Jr. She is also survived by her 6 great grandchildren: Adele Polanco, Penelope Contreras, Austin Polanco, Paige Contreras, Keith Cannon Jr., and Jason Beltrez III.

Gloria was born in La Zanja, Sabana Iglesias in the Dominican Republic on August 10, 1936 to Rafael Emilio and Dolores Diaz. She later married Ernesto Esteban Beltrez and together they welcomed Maria, Acela, Ramon, Jason, and Eduardo. The couple lived in El Flaire until immigrating to New York City in 1966, raising their children in Little Italy, Manhattan.

Gloria lived on Broome Street for nearly 50 years before making her home in Rockland County with her daughters. She is remembered for her strong faith in God, having been a lifelong member of the Most Holy Crucifix Church on Broome Street, where she also served as a cook for the clergy. She possessed an innate goodness the likes of which is much too uncommon in this world. She lived surrounded by family and love.