Fast, competitive, and determined, Smokin’ Joe loved the thrill of a race track. Whether it was his old school days of racing Hard Tops at San Jose Speedway, to the championships won at Merced Speedway with his Late Model. He was well known and respected throughout California by some of the best drivers.
Although Joe loved being the one to cross the finish line first, one of his greatest accomplishments in life, was teaching and watching his children and grandchildren race as well. He designed the Chowchilla Barnburner race track in 2003 and promoted go-kart, quad and motorcycle racing. The competitors, ages spanning from two to eighty-two, came from all over the United States. Since he closed the track in 2011, many other Barnburner type race tracks have opened up throughout the years to keep these competitors going in the winter months. His legacy lives on.
If you knew Joe, you knew his “soft side” for his grandchildren was immeasurable. In his more recent years, his great grandchildren he called “the babies” gave him such joy.
Joe enjoyed going to the local casinos with his wife, Glenda, and even tolerated taking her to bingo at times. Although he wouldn’t admit it, he learned to enjoy the game and especially the friends.
He grew very close to his dogs in which he loved dearly. His lap dog Sassy, already misses him so much.
Joe is survived by his mother Mary Howell; his wife of 38 years, Glenda Jean Diaz; sons Joseph John Diaz, Jr., John Michael Diaz, Rick A. Diaz; daughters Tina Marie Bortoli, Keri Lee Diaz, Kimberly “Kimmy” Ann Hickman; brothers Antonio Adolfo Diaz; sister Cookie Day; 21 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren.
Joe is preceded in death by his father Joe Diaz, step-mother Alicia Diaz and brother Americo Guglielmo.
