Roberto Diaz Claro, 82, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully, Tuesday morning, December 11, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 19, 1935 in Guantanamo, Oriente, Cuba, the son of Jose Diaz and Luisa Claro. Roberto married the love of his life, Elvia C. Rizo on March 2, 1958. Before coming to the United States, Roberto owned and operated a grocery store. He then worked at Chrysler Corporation for 30 years, where he was a member of the UAW Local 1268. Roberto was known for being a hard worker, always providing for his family. He was a jack of all trades, and loved tinkering. Roberto enjoyed working on cars and had a knack for carpentry and masonry. He is loved and will be missed.
Roberto is loved and missed by his loving wife of 60 years, Elvia; children, Robert (Heidi-deceased) Diaz, Jose (Barb) Diaz, Rafael (Kaylee) Diaz, and Elvia (Paul) Johnson; grandchildren, Deborah (Samuel) Mateika, Melissa (Brian) Parrett, Kathryn (Andrew) Rungren, and Jahdzia Diaz; Brittni Jade (Estibents Verde) Diaz, Adrian Q. Diaz, Daniel Diaz, Alex Johnson, and Monika Johnson; great-grandchildren, Madelynn, Matthew, Samantha, Charlotte, Lexington, Brianna, Mia, Emma, Aiyden; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Luisa, and siblings.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heartland Hospice for their loving and compassionate care that they provided during this time, especially, Deb, Angela, Kiwi, Amber, Matt and Janice.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m., until 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a funeral service to follow. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Heartland Hospice.