Abraham Diaz

We are sad to announce the passing of Abraham Diaz of San Antonio, Texas.

Abraham was born on March 16, 1927, in Cagua, Puerto Rico and died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 96 on December 22, 2023, surrounded by family. Abraham died of a broken heart just 16 days after his beloved wife of 73 years Maria Socorro Encarnacion Diaz had passed. His children include Aurea Diaz Calderon, Nereida Diaz Ortiz, Virginia Diaz Singleton, Evelyn Diaz Johnson (Deceased), and Manuel Diaz (Deceased). Abraham also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

     Abraham was a decorated Korean War Army soldier who was awarded numerous medals for bravery in combat including the “Purple Heart.” Abraham was injured in a firefight in North Korea yet continued to fight after being wounded in the head by enemy fire. Some of his other awards include the “Combat Infantryman Badge”, “Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars”, “United Nations Service Medal”, and the National Defense Service Medal. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Army and returned to his family in Puerto Rico. He would devote the rest of his life to hard work and supporting his family. Life in Puerto Rico during the 1950s was very hard. Abraham had as many as three jobs at a time, and always managed to put food on the table. As hard as life was, he never gave up hope, and always kept his dream alive.

     In the late 1950’s he decided to pack his things and move the family to New York in search of the American dream. Again, life was very hard but his will and drive remained intact. He worked hard and even had a little time to enjoy his family. He loved to make trips to Lake Hopatcong, NJ for family picnics. The family would pack a picnic bag with sandwiches, desserts, and treats. Abraham would roast a pig at the Lake and feed the family, friends, and even strangers who would walk by drawn to the great smell of roasted pig. His dream of owning his own home came to fruition when he purchased his first home in Union City, NJ.

     During the mid-1980s, he decided to move his family, and relocate to San Antonio, Texas. His tremendous work habits, ethics, strong faith, and trust in God led him through many trials and tribulations, but he persevered. He always had an entrepreneur sense and decided to use his God given skills to start a small food catering business. At the same time, he doubled down and started a furniture business, selling used furniture. He arranged deals with several hotels that were remodeling and was able to purchase their used furniture for his own business. He also made deals with several Hispanic grocery stores to sell them his home-made food products. With hard work and his persistent attitude, he was able to prosper enough to buy his second home. Abraham’s legacy lies in his faith in God and his honor to the country. His achievements are a badge of honor to his family and all those that were affected by his presence. He donated to just about every charity that contacted him and especially to his church. He will be missed.