Olympio C. Diaz

Olympio Carlos Diaz was born on July 26, 1923 to Raymundo Diaz and Anselma Carlos in Manila, Philippines. He was raised with eight siblings, brothers: Rodrigo, Rosendo, Apolonio, Herminio, Pelez and sisters, Leuteria, Elena and Amparo.

Olympio graduated in 1940 from Mapa High School in Manila, Philippines. Olympio also attended Vocational school and became a Certified Welder. One of his other accomplishments was migrating to the United States with his wife, Hermogena in 1987 and acquiring their citizenship in 1982.

At a young age, Olympio met and fell in love with Hermogena Mina Hernandez and happily exchanged wedding vows on May 28, 1944. The wedding ceremony was held at a church at the University of Sto. Tomas, in Manila, Philippines. Olympio and Hermogena were blessed with 8 children, two sons: Ramoncito and Olympio Jr., six daughters: Corazon, Charito, Aurora, Virginia, Elizabeth and Leonida. Later in life they received the joy of 21 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.

Fortunately, Olympio enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Olympio worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. Olympio was employed as a Welder for Meralco Electric Company from 1947 thru 1950. From 1951 thru 1978 he worked as a welder for a ship repair facility at the United States Naval Base Subic Bay, Philippines. Then in 1979 thru 1983 working for the Public Works Department, United States Naval Base, Philippines. He retired from the United States Naval Base, Subic Bay, Philippines in 1983. Olympio Diaz worked as a part-time custodian at the MW&R Naval station in San Diego California and at Seafood City as well.

Olympio enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various activities including ping-pong, bowling, basketball, playing Mahjong and fishing. Olympio was always happy and willing to share his interests with others.

Olympio left us on February 13, 2012. He passed away at Paradise Valley Hospital of a stroke and complications from Diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by his wife, Hermogena H. Diaz of San Diego, California, Daughters; Virginia and Leonida of San Diego, California, Aurora, Charito and Elizabeth of Olongapo City, Philippines, sons; Olympio, Jr. of Cavite, Philippines and Ramoncito of Olongapo City, Philippines. Sister-in-Law, Lucila Diaz of Portland, Oregon. Nephews; Walter Murphy of Stockton, California. Victor and Rey Gomez of Oakland, California and Herman Diaz of San Diego, California. Services were handled by Glen Abbey Mortuary. A Funeral Mass was held at St. Mary’s church in National City, California on February 29, 2012. Olympio Carlos Diaz was later laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.