Vicente "Viso" Díaz Colón

Born in the town of Cubuy, Canovanas, Puerto Rico, Vicente Díaz Colón saw first light on August 16, 1916. At the tender age of 2 years old his mother, Valeria Colón past away. That left our Grandfather, Don Concepción Díaz del Valle with 5 orphan children.

Grandpa Don Concho, like they used to call him, married Gertrudes Correa. From that marriage 7 children were born. Grandma Gertrudes (Tula) took the task of raising a total of 12 children.

Papi, Dad, Pop or Daddy, like his own children referred to him rose up to be a dashing young man, well mannered, well spoken and a word of wisdom for whoever cried on his shoulder. Calling him "viejo" (old man) was not permitted. He had told me that was a sign of disrespect.

As with all the children in his neighborhood, going to church was an important event every Sunday. At the Baptist Church of Belen in Cubuy (close to the clouds), he learned the importance of Christ in his life. At the age of twenty he was baptized and from then on he became an avid reader and student of the Bible and its' teachings. There he was chosen to be the President of the Youth Group.

Dad read other books from different religions to acquire knowledge in their doctrines. But he kept firm in his beliefs. He read many Christian literature too and published books by important Christian authors. I could ask Dad any question on any religion, on any subject and after searching his thoughts he gave me a reply. I was always satisfied with the answer.

When it came time to choose a wife, he didn't have to go far, for in his Colón Clan (Mother's side of the family) he found his soul mate. Her name was Encarnación Colón Mulero (Sunchita). She was a shy and fragile young lady. They married on Dad's birthday, August 16, 1943. They became members of the Baptist Church in St. Just, Trujillo Alto. Mom used to say that when she married she weighted 98 lbs wet. My Mom was a beautiful woman inside and out. Dad showed his love for her every single day of their 55 years of marriage. We never saw our Parents with any rivalry, harsh words or any marital problems. Mom too reciprocated her love with tender loving care. Dad continued to love her even after her death on February 25, 1999, her birthday.

From this marriage a total of 4 children were born. The eldest died soon after his birth. A daughter, Maria del Pilar and two sons, Vicente Jr., and Angel David filled their home with joy and laughter. Mom's niece, Felicita was already part of her life when Mom was 12 and Felicita was 18 months old. From then on she grew up next to her aunt , more like a daughter than a niece. When Mom & Dad married they took her to their new home where she became our eldest sister.

Felicita presented a young man named Julio Cesar Rivera to Mom & Dad and after a couple of months of courtship they married on April 2, 1954.

Later that year Mom, Uncle Angel Luis (Tío Blanco) and I went to New York for an alleged short vacation which took us many years to return to our native Puerto Rico. Dad and my two brothers followed on December 31, 1954. Felicita & Julio stayed in Puerto Rico to bring up their own children, Gisela & Julio C II.

In 1955 Dad immediately looked for a church in order to bring up his children in a Christian Church. The Sinai Disciples of Christ Church in Brooklyn, New York was that house of worship. The love of God, the praise and fellowship Dad & Mom felt helped them make the decision to become members. As we grew, Christ was the center of our home. Jr., David and I were baptized at Sinai. Besides going to church during the week there was no excuse to be absent from the Sunday worship. Years passed and Dad & Mom became active members at Sinai becoming Sunday school teacher and Church Superintendent.

The church offered many ministries which they became involved in. Sinai members became our family, not only those who were our relatives but people we came to love and have kept in contact throughout the years.

I remembered as a young girl seeing Dad study theology through a correspondence course offered by the San Jose, Costa Rica Seminar.

In our Junior High School years our parents moved the family to Queens, New York where we finished High School. Jr. went into the Air Force, David followed and I worked at Ideal Toy Corp., (Personnel Dept.) where Dad had already been working. At Ideal he was called the Preacher, for he took his lunch hour to preach to fellow workers, read the Bible and sang hymns.

Mom & Dad returned to Puerto Rico on December 26, 1968 due to health problems.

On August 10, 1969 they transferred their church membership to the First Baptist Church of Carolina.

This was another church my parents loved. Until the last day of Dad's passing he held position in different ministries. Namely; Deacon, Member of the Communion Committee at homes, volunteer his service at Radio Vida (the Church's radio station). There he received calls from the radio listeners on questions that needed a reply. He passed on the questions to the Minister who were on the air, prayed and many times counseled the listener.

During his many years, he was honored with many plaques and recognitions. The most recent one was on October 4, 2009 when the Baptist Men of America dedicated there anniversary to him. He was also honored at the Diaz Clan Family Reunion on June 28, 2009 in recognition for keeping the family roots. Along with his recognition, his sisters, Lydia Esther, Consuelo and Zoraida were also honored. Dad was the oldest member of the Diaz Clan we could trace.

Dad lived a full and healthy life. Drove his car until the last day. Loved plants and flowers and liked to keep the house tidy. He washed his own cloths, mopped, swept and cook too. He was an asset to his family, the neighbors, and to his church.

Vicente: origen: from the latin word "Vincentius" = conquerer

His friends envied him for his energy and willingness. He was a hard worker and never backed away from difficulties. Instead confronted them but first asking the Lord guidance.

This verse from the King James Version Bible best describes Dad:

"And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship."

Exodus 31:3

Dad is survived by Felicita, Maria del Pilar, Vicente, Angel David, his Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren.

"Saying, Amen, Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might be unto our God ever and ever. Amen"

Revelations 7:12

There are so many stories, wonderful and unforgettable memories. We will miss him very much.