Salvador Z Diaz

Salvador (Sal) Z. Diaz passed in peace Sunday, February 28, 2021 at the age of 71. Devoted husband to Vivian (Krochmal); proud father of Jacqueline (Gerald) and Christian; adoring grandfather to Leona; caring brother to Joe, Carlos, and Mina; uncle to many nieces and nephews, and a friend to many more; preceded in death by his sister Irma and parents, Ana Maria and Salvador. He led a purpose driven life, devoted to family and community.

He began his professional work as a social worker in protective services and juvenile probation before joining the Chicago Police Department where he served 23 years. The following 16 years he served the State of Illinois as a member of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. He thrived on his work and being able to instruct younger people entering the criminal justice field.

Born in Mexico, he moved to the U.S. when very young; his life is a story of determination and achievement. An accomplished baseball player out of high school, a competitive tennis player, and a lifelong golfer with an 8 handicap, he was a testament to excelling professionally and athletically.

Sal was best known, though, perhaps for his storytelling. Both authentic and often of dubious veracity, it was a holiday tradition for him to tell stories about his life - whether it was of his childhood in Mexico when he was harassed by roosters, doing his best keeping his brothers out of trouble in high school, or the less likely time he was thrown out of the ice rink for skating too fast and melting the ice. He was a natural storyteller who loved to share with those around him.

His legacy will be forever remembered by his family and friends as someone who cared tremendously for those in his life and for his fervor to be ever active in his community. Services limited to the immediate family due to Covid restrictions. A larger memorial is being planned for summer as soon as it's safe to gather as a group to honor the memory we all share of him.