Gilberto J. Diaz

Gilberto J. Diaz, 60, passed away on Monday, February 5th at home surrounded by his loving family following a courageous 18-month battle with cancer. Born in Havana, Cuba in 1957 to Gilberto and Hilda Diaz, he lived in Madrid, Spain, before arriving in Chicago in 1972 where he built a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Fina Garcia-Diaz, and treasured sons Daniel, Martín, and Nicholas. He was the caring brother of Ofelia (Rafael) Uribe, devoted son-in-low of Adolfo and Manuela García, much-loved brother-in-law to Jesús (Alicia) Garcia, Margarita (Max) Diaz, Belia (Cuauhtémoc) Hernandez, Zoila (Hector) Fragoso, and Arnie Garcia, and was the cherished uncle, cousin, friend to countless others.

A lover of music, theatre, and sport, Gilberto lived with joy; he delighted in travel, but no matter where he was he never failed to make the whole room laugh (including himself). A research biologist at Abbott Labs, Gilberto also took great pride in his endless time spent as soccer coach and technical director at Real FC, where he was warmly known as “Coach Gil” by his numerous players and their families.

His hearty laugh, sharp wit, and endless affection will be missed by all.

Visitation at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner St, (corner of Northwest Hwy/Rt14 and Rand Rd) in Des Plaines, IL Thursday, February 8, from 3-8pm. Mass on Friday, February 9, at St. Thomas Becket Church, 1321 Burning Bush Ln, Mount Prospect, IL at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chicago sports charity organization Urban Initiatives (via the URL below) will be greatly appreciated:

www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/in-memory-of-gilberto-j-diaz1