Fred E. Diaz

Fred was born in Texas City, Texas on July 22, 1942, to George and Mary Diaz. He attended Texas City High School and the University of Houston before moving and settling in San Antonio, Texas in 1980.

Fred was a nationally recognized leader in civic and community affairs. He dedicated his life to bringing about positive change for his fellow citizens and his community. He was the founder and Lifetime Board Member of NAFTA Academy for International Business Studies Foundation Inc. He was a member of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, member of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Southside Chamber of Commerce. He also received KCOR’s “Hidalgo Award” for superior service to the Hispanic community in San Antonio.

Fred was a life-long member of The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), working tirelessly for education, employment, civil rights and economic development improvements for the disadvantaged Hispanic population. During his time in LULAC, he held numerous chairmanships for scholarship fund campaigns, food drives, and aid events. He served in many leadership roles such as Vice President of LULAC Council #2 media relations program, Chaplain, and Lifetime Board Member, LULAC Kingsville Manor Housing Project, where his efforts and contributions were recognized with a street named in his honor.

Fred has received numerous honors and awards for his service to LULAC and the community, including: Lifetime Achievement Award from LULAC Council #2, and the LULAC National Presidential Commendation medal. In 1974, as a member of LULAC Council #60, District 8, Fred, was the youngest recipient ever, to be awarded the State of Texas and National LULAC Man of the Year awards; in 2008 he would once again receive the State of Texas and National LULAC Man of the Year awards, as a member of Council #2, District 15 for his continued dedication and impact on the Hispanic community.

Fred was a passionate advocate for the Fine Arts programs in his community; focusing his efforts on program development, funding and the promotion of music programs in area schools. He believed that all children should have access to and be encouraged to participate in the Performing Arts. He was the founder and Lifetime Board Member, Edgewood Academy for Communications and Fine Arts Foundation Inc., Board Member for Ballet Folklorico de San Antonio, Chairman of Texas Center for Infectious Disease, Cultural Arts Program, “Pictures on an Exhibition” featuring children’s art in a hospital setting and founding member of the San Antonio Entertainment Network, Inc. non-profit.

Beginning in the early 1970’s Fred brought music to his local communities, serving as the Director of the Fiestas Patrias parade in Houston, Texas. When he moved to San Antonio, he co-founded the Paseo del Rey Feo parade and served as Parade Director for many years. He then went on to lead the Fiesta Flambeau as Parade Director for 4 years. He served as the Director of the Diez y Seis de Septiembre parade as well as the Texas Folklife Festival People’s Parade.

He was the co-founder of the Alamo Tournament of Bands and in 2002 he founded the Alamo City Community Marching Band.

Fred was also a man of deep faith and a long-time parishioner of Our Lady of Grace (OLG) Catholic Church. He founded the OLG Rosary Prayer Group Ministry which meets monthly for fellowship and to promote the praying of the rosary. He was a member and officer for Knights of Columbus, Council #10191 and the position of Sir Knight with San Antonio de Padua assembly #1102.

He was a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where he was a charter member and officer for the Knights of Columbus Council #9342. During his time with Council #9342 he served as Grand Knight and received the Knight of the Year award.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Diaz, and his brothers, George and Louis Diaz.

Fred is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary Jane; his daughters, De Anna Castro and husband Rodney, and Alicia D’Andrea and husband Patrick; his siblings, Marilyn Boyle, Edward Diaz and John Diaz.

He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Matthew Musel, Nicholas and Elena Castro, step grandchildren, Nicholas and Rachel D’Andrea, numerous nieces, and nephews and his beloved faithful dog, Pepper. As well as his best friend and co-worker of 40 years, Robert “Bob” McCormick.

The family would like to give a heartfelt “Thank You”, to Dr. Michael Lichtenstein and Dr. William Wu for giving Fred exceptional medical and personal care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or Catholic Charities.

A private burial will take place following the service.

ROSARY & MASS

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021

10:30 A.M. CST

OUR LADY OF GRACE CATHOLIC CHURCH

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Due to COVID restrictions and limited church capacity (60), the family is encouraging participation in the service via ZOOM:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85019285709?pwd=QjZ0UDBFZTVqTjBOV1dVRTRScm9kZz09

Meeting ID: 850 1928 5709

Passcode: 472477