Antonio (Tony) Avalos Diaz Jr.
Antonio Diaz “Tony” Jr. was born on March 14, 1945 in Mexicali, Mexico to Antonio and Gabriela Diaz. Tony was born with Downs Syndrome and attended the Life Skills Work Shop in Visalia, California. His father passed away in 1968 and mother in 1982. Tony was cared for by his oldest sister Mary Diaz Garcia until she passed away in 2009.
Tony was 66 years old and lived with his brother Ralph, sister in-law Mirtha and nephew Andrew Diaz in Visalia, California. Tony passed away at home surrounded by his family on November 23, 2011.
Tony was raised in Woodlake, California where everyone knew Tony, the friendly little gentleman who made friends with everyone he met. Life to Tony was enjoying all the family gatherings, dancing with all the girls and of course hugging all of the women. Our little brother loved attending his work shop and fraternizing with all his friends. He was our little angel who loved cops and would tell us that he was going to be a police and a Marine when he grew up. Tony called himself “Superman Boy”. Tony couldn’t wait for the next Special Olympics in Tulare because he was always the winner and proudly displayed all the medals and trophies he collected over the years. The family wants to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the staff at the Visalia Life Skills Work Shop Center who taught and guided Tony until he could no longer attend due to his illness.
Tony is survived by Brothers Lupe Diaz (Katherine) Woodlake, Manuel Diaz (Veronica) Bakersfield, Arthur Diaz (Mary) Galt, Simon Diaz (Elith) Mexico City, Ralph Diaz (Mirtha) Visalia and Sister Frances Diaz Ivanhoe. He is also survived by at least 75 nephews and nieces. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Garcia, Carmen Alva, Mary Helen Florez, Connie Diaz and brother Joe Diaz.
Funeral arrangements are by Miller Memorial Chapel. Viewing will take place on Tuesday November 29, 2011 from 3-6 PM followed by the Rosary at Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Woodlake at 6 PM. Mass will be on Wednesday 9 AM followed by his burial at the Woodlake Public Cemetery.
Condolences may be offered at www.millerchapel.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18