Joseph Diaz

“Joe”, “Pepe”, “Pepito” was born in Havana Cuba. At an early age he emigrated from Cuba to the United State of America, a country he loved so much that he would serve 2 tours of duty in Vietnam as a member of United States Marine Corps.

He told me the story about how he and many of his peers were part of “Operation Peter Pan”. He came to America, a young man, and temporarily stayed with his Aunt Sara and Uncle Luis, living in Miami until both of his parents were able to escape Cuba and reunite their family. Once reunited, which included his pet dog, Pompi, they made their way to Elizabeth, NJ to settle into living in America (home of the Free). Joe attended High School there and made many lasting friendships along the way. He registered for the draft and enlisted with the strong intention and determination to go fight for freedom in the Vietnam Conflict.

After returning from war he worked several labor jobs until he found employment at a then small beverage distributor, “Peerless Beverage” in Union New Jersey. He worked his way up from a warehousemen to delivery driver and finally to salesman. He was one of the first people in the company to make such an ascent, all along helping to pave the way for others to follow. His territory was most of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties. Almost overnight he became one of the top selling salesmen in the United States for names like Guinness, Schlitz, Stroh’s, Samuel Adams and so many others. But it was a then little known company from Colorado called Coors that were exploring future sales on the east coast and believed in him and gave him the moniker, “Joe Coors” as he was given the task of selling an All American beer to a mainly Hispanic community. It was a beautiful paring and the beginning of a prosperous relationship because Coors believed in him as much as he believed in them. With his contagious smile, charm, determination and inability to quit made him an overnight success. All through his journey he wanted to help others, especially the Latin community. He made sure that money that was meant to promote his products was used in a way that would help prosper, support and grow the local Hispanic businesses in the community. He helped arrange league sponsorships, guest appearances and hosted so many special events and festivals.

Two of my father’s passions were travel and photography. I can’t begin to tell you about his photo and slide collection that numbers in the thousands taken in all four corners of the world. But there was that 1 special trip that meant the most to him… That was his trip home, home to Havana where he would finally return and get to revisit many of his childhood memories. He even made a stop at his old grammar school. He reconnected with family and secured the unbreakable bond we now have to our family in Cuba.

Retiring in the late 90’s, he pulled up roots and alongside his beloved widowed mother moved from Elizabeth, New Jersey to Miami, Florida initially and eventually settling in the small town of Coconut Creek, Florida making it his home. He cherished when family would get together whether it was just for lunch, dinner, or a BBQ. However, it was especially during the holiday season gatherings that he would just glow. Here his generosity and penitent nature never left as he again would go out of his way to make the holidays bright for others. I remember visiting him on South Beach where he would help a homeless man called “El Torero”. He would buy the man lunch and sit and talk to him on occasion and even had my grandmother “Wita” sit and chat with him too. He told me that the gentleman was once a college professor who tragically lost his family and decided to escape with his broken heart and have a simpler life. He would think nothing of stopping at a light and giving away $10 or even $20. He would always tell me “you never know how they got there”. His unconditional love and devotion to his mother was undying. EVERY Saturday since her passing in late 2014 he would make it a point to bring her fresh flowers and share his week with her. Yes, he was a ladies’ man! He was known to bring candy and flowers to the ladies wherever he would go. His heart was so big and giving. There are so many stories of the good time people have had with my father. I remember stopping over to visit his apartment on Domino night and realizing that even though my father was an only child he had gathered a lot of brothers throughout his beautiful life. Generous even as we speak, he donated his eyes, skin and bone marrow to those in need.

There are so many memories and stories that he has told me over the years about his life, places like Cuba, Vietnam, Wetson’s Superburger Restaurant in Elizabeth, NJ, NYC Discos, Cabo San Lucas, South Beach, Greece, Mexico, Spain, Turkey and Sardinia, Yugoslavia definitely so many more that escape me but deserve honorable mention. Please share some of yours below.

Joe was survived by Daniel his only son by marriage to Judith Diaz nee Lutz. First cousins Lazara Fagan, nee Bringuier, Luis Bringuier, Marina Selles, Ana Rodriquez, Guillermo Rodriguez, Lizt Alfonso and Michael Guerrero and John Lynch his Godsons.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, Jose and Esther Diaz.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their words of comfort during this difficult time. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnnorth.com.

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.