Juan Pedro Tenorio Diaz

Juan was born in Guam on June 26, 1937, to Joaquin Cruz Diaz and Joaquina Pangilinan Tenorio Diaz. His family roots were deeply connected to Guam and the Mariana Islands, and he was one of ten children. Over the course of his long life, Juan became the last surviving sibling of his family.

Juan’s childhood was shaped by the hardships of World War II. As a young boy in Guam, he lived through the Japanese occupation and survived internment at the Manenggon concentration camp before the island was liberated in 1944.

As a young man, Juan proudly served his country as an Infantryman and Intelligence Analyst in the United States military. His years of service were marked by dedication and honor, and he received numerous commendations and medals during his military career. Following his retirement from military service, Juan went on to work for many years with the Texas Department of Corrections before retiring.

Juan was first married to Diana Grass Diaz. Together they shared many years and raised four children: John Diaz, Patricia "Patty" Diaz Young, Anthony "Tony" Diaz, and Joey Diaz. Diana preceded him in death in 1991.

Later in life, Juan married Celina Lopez Diaz, with whom he shared thirty years of marriage. Celina remained by his side through the later years of his life he and through his final days.

Juan was an avid bowler and remained devoted to the sport for many years. He competed in Senior Olympic bowling events and traveled for tournaments, including trips to Las Vegas. Even after beginning his battle with cancer, Juan continued bowling for several years, staying with the sport he loved until it became too physically difficult.

Juan was also known as an excellent cook. He took great pride in preparing meals for his family, and his cooking became an important part of family gatherings and holidays. His meals were something everyone looked forward to, and he passed along treasured family recipes that will continue to be prepared, shared, and remembered by future generations.

Juan is survived by his wife, Celina Lopez Diaz; his children, John Diaz, Patricia "Patty" Diaz Young, Anthony "Tony" Diaz and his wife, Bradi, and Joey Diaz and his wife, Billie.

Juan is also survived by Celina’s children, Anna Lopez, Oscar Lopez, Anthony Lopez, Bobby Lopez, and Katia Lopez, who shared in his life and became part of his extended family through his many years with Celina.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Roman Diaz, Amanda Diaz, Anthoney Diaz, Brian Young, Alicia Young, Chandler Diaz Castro, Peyton Diaz, Damon Diaz, Danielle Diaz, and Danica Diaz, as well as many beloved great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joaquin Cruz Diaz and Joaquina Pangilinan Tenorio Diaz; his first wife, Diana Grass Diaz; and his nine siblings: Vicente Tenorio Diaz, Manuel Tenorio Diaz, Andrecina Tenorio Diaz Muña, Nicolas Tenorio Diaz, Francisco Tenorio Diaz, Maria Tenorio Diaz Nededog, Dolores Tenorio Diaz Palomo, Ricardo Tenorio Diaz, and Antonio Tenorio Diaz.

Juan will be remembered for his strength, his years of service, his love of bowling, and his talent in the kitchen.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the hospice nurses, caregivers, family members, and friends who offered compassion, comfort, prayers, and support during Juan’s final days.

A graveside service will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.