Helio was assigned to work in my class for kids with severe disabilities last year. It was his first time in this class type, but he exceeded in every way. I realized he cared about helping the students and knew that although my time with him would only be for a few months, it was going to be the most memorable period of my career (and frankly-my life). /At the time, I was in a rut and contemplating leaving the education field. Working with Helio, single-handedly lit up my brain in a new way. His positivity, knowledge and work ethic, was such a gift and it helped me remember why I became a teacher. He would print out and make interactive communication books for the students, some he even bought on tpt. He also made some awesome trash cans out of green paper and milk cartons. He would also stay past his time to help clean up, prep work, or just chat.///My fondest memory was when we were working with a nonverbal  student trying to get him to say the word “more”. I watched Helio use every prompt and trick up his sleeve, for a good ten minutes. Finally, Helio placed his mouth on the student’s arm and mouthed the “m” sound. Shortly after, the student shouted “MORE!” very loud and clear and we both looked at each other in awe (that was a MAJOR breakthrough)./Helio also took helpful data. He would write in notebooks and would leave them for me. To this day, his level of dedication remains unmatched. The fact that he was thinking this far ahead while only being scheduled a few days per week at my school proves this./On his last day at my school, we talked about working together in the future. I was sad that day and am even more sad now that this is no longer possible, but he was someone I was so glad to have encountered in my life and career, and his impact will continue to carry over into my work ethic when working with students with disabilities. Thank you for showing me how fun my job can be, Helio.

Helio was not only my brother-in-law but also my compadre, having the honor of baptizing his daughter, Sol.  We shared a love of the Dodgers, Music, and Craft Beers.  I will miss going to concerts with you and outdoor grilling at our homes.  I will always look after Susie, Sol, and Gema.  Until we meet again.  RIP Compa.

My Uncle Helio, thank you for cheering me on in my OT career, several soccer games, and just being my fun uncle. I will continue to take care of your girls. As I will always remember my last memory of you picking up Sol from my house and saying “thank you for taking care of her.” I love you <3

I worked with Helio from February-June of 2024 at my school site. He was servicing students as a SLPA at a school in Sylmar. It was such a pleasure and honor to work with Helio. I was new to the school so he really helped me get acquainted with the students and the school site. Something that I later learned that came so natural to him. He was always such an intentional person and did everything with compassion and grace. My students kept asking about him after he moved on to a different school. What stood out to me was how kind and grateful he was. Such beautiful human being. His memory will live on. I hope his family knows what a great impact he had on the students and the people he worked with a LAUSD. 

My condolences to his family and everyone who was impacted by his passing.

I just wanted to take the time to send my condolences to the family. Mr. Helio covered my site while I was on maternity leave last year. Everyone who had the chance to get to know him or work directly with him loved him and had nothing but kind words to share. Although I did not have the pleasure of working with Mr. Helio, I did  get to meet him when I returned back to work. He stopped by to thank my team and brought gifts for each one of my colleagues he worked closely with. He will be deeply missed by the rest of our Sharp community.

As his colleague, it was my first year working in the district. Helio was the shining light I had needed when I was overwhelmed and needed support at the site. The days he was there would always be such a joy, especially with his engaging and thoughtful activities he had for his students! They all loved him! My thoughts and prayers go to his family and daughters, that he would always speak of often.

Whenever you cross my mind, you’re always wearing that big smile and that vibrant spark. I’ve always thought you had a beautiful light about you — it shines through the brightness in your eyes.

I’ve always admired you. You’re the coolest uncle I’ve ever had… Sharing the passion and love for music isn’t something I have in common with anyone else in the family, and that bond has always felt so special to me. I remember when you gave me the CD of my favorite band and also your band’s CD when I was 13. I went back to La Paz showing off your songs to my friends and playing your music on repeat. You made me believe I was capable of forming a band — and I did. I even dedicated myself to music for a while. Then motherhood came, and priorities shifted… I think you understand.

I love you so much, Lolo. You will always have a special place in my heart. I’ll see you later so we can keep listening to music and you can teach me more songs

Gema's baptism was such a beautiful memorable day with family promising Gema to grow spirtually in faith. We will always remember you,   Forever in our hearts, and prayers.

We were friends only for a brief moment in time, but Helio showed me kindness during the most commonly awkward era of high school. I am saddened to hear of his passing. I'll always remember his big smile, his silliness, his kindness, and our shared love of punk rock. And the time he closed up his sisters shop just so he could check out my art piece at a Pomona gallery next door. He seemed proud even though we hadn't spoken in years. He had that effect. Such a delightful human. Rest in peace, old friend.

I only worked with Helio for one year, but in that short time, he made such a huge impact on my life and the lives of the students he worked with. Helio always had a smile on his face. He always seemed ready to take on the day and was ready to help out in any way he could. The students at our preschool loved working with him and looked forward to the time they spent with him. He was honestly the best speech therapy assistant I have ever worked with. 

I am so saddened to hear about this great loss. The world has lost a kind, empathetic, warm-hearted, and hard-working man. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.  

Rest in peace, Helio. You will be missed.

Hellio, you were such a kind person, who treated both the students that you worked with as well as the school staff with love and respect. I enjoyed sharing our love of punk rock music. You always  had a smile and great attitude. I can say that the teachers and staff that got to know you are feeling your loss. I was hoping to get to work with you again someday. You will be missed. My condolences to your family and friends. 
Marci

Helio, you were a wonderful colleague and a truly kind soul, and I will remember your grace and the appreciation you showed to me and everyone around you. Your dedication to your students at LAUSD left a lasting impact, and your presence is deeply missed by all of us. My heart goes out to your family during this difficult time.

I had the pleasure of knowing Helio here at the school I work at. I’m a Sped Assistant and he serviced my one on one student. He was always so kind to me and my student. Very friendly and always smiling. My most sincere condolences to his entire family. 🕊️

I hope you knew how loved you were.  
How much joy you brought into my life.  

Even when we weren’t in each other’s day to day worlds, I thought about you often.  
I was always rooting for you.  

I always believed we’d meet again someday,
sit down for lunch, talk about our families,  
share stories about our kids and laugh like time hadn’t passed.  

I wish you could feel all the love that surrounded you.  
You mattered. You still do.

Love you Helio, I hope you’re at peace. 🤍

I will miss you forever, my dear brother Helio. You are deeply missed, and you will always remain in our hearts. Never to be forgotten.

I met Heliodoro in 1996 at Bishop Amat. We became friends almost immediately because of our similar interests in punk music. His soul burned so bright always carrying a smile but always questioning everything including himself. We laughed together, we cried together and we celebrated together over and over again. I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with him in many cities spanning from Canada to Mexico. I grew into the musician I am today because of Helio. For that short stint in our lives we were free. Free from the real world and living in the world we created. I love your life and the lives you helped create and if it's true what they say we will soon meet again. Helio was a beast on the drums and a gentle giant in life and that is how I want to make sure he is remembered. This photo represents a moment with NO PAIN ONLY JOY and I could feel it at every practice and gig we ever shared. REST IN POWER

I will miss you dearly my brother. Having known you since we were in elementary school and altar boys, playing drums in our bands to all our wonderful memories together we shared. I pray to God that you’re at peace and no longer in pain. Life will never be the same without you here. I love you hermano! Until we meet again. Your brother,
-Erik C.

Helio was my Slpa from August through January. Though I only knew him for a short time, We got very close. I learned so much about the love for his family. Sol and Gema were his entire world. we talked a lot about his love of music and drumming. And his upbringing and life. His energy filled my classroom with so much joy. My students adored him and I know he adored them too. 
We were an amazing team and we relied on each other to get through the hard days. 

To his family, I am so truly sorry for your loss. he was such a beautiful soul.  I hope you are able to find healing during this incredibly difficult time. 

I hope helio knows how loved he was. I hope he is able to find peace and that he is free from all pain. 

he will be so missed.

helio was my SLPA from august through the end of january. during that time we got very close. he told me so much about his family and how much he loved Sol and Gema. we talked about his love of music and drumming. We were friends and an amazing team. we relied on each other to get through the hard days of work.  My students adored him, and so did we. he was such a bright light, and he was so loved by so many people. 
I will miss him so much.  I truly hope he has found peace. 
To his family, I'm so sorry for your loss.  he was such a beautiful soul.  I hope you find strength and healing.

OBITUARY

Heliodoro Diaz Medina

July 6, 1981 – February 14, 2026

Funeraria del Angel West Covina

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services