John Dominic Diaz passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, Calif. Beloved husband of 41 years to Marlene Garcia Diaz, loving father of Ariana Ceja (Miguel) and Ariel Diaz, and cherished grandfather of Emelia Ceja. Dear brother of Linda McConnell Kemp (Chris), loved uncle of Anthony Diaz (Lina), godfather of Gloria Gutierrez and Vita McConnell, and endeared brother-in-law to Stacy Rose (Richard). He is survived by many additional loving family members, including an aunt, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many friends.

A lifelong resident of San Lorenzo, Calif., John was born in Hayward, Calif. on April 28, 1950 to Victoria and Joseph J. Diaz. He graduated from San Lorenzo High School in 1968. Following high school he worked at Hudson Lumber Company as a Power Plant Mechanic until its closure in 1998.

John had a huge sense of humor, which some would say was a bit off-color, and he was always up for sharing a “new” joke. Although he labeled himself a “hermit,” he was not a recluse; he enjoyed spending time with friends and family, sharing stories. He had many loves, including his wife, his family, his music, his sci-fi novels, his pc games, and above all his Slurpees. John spent the last years of his life sharing awesome adventures with “the biggest joy of his life,” his granddaughter Emelia.

A celebration of John's life will commence with a graveside service at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Lone Tree Cemetery located at 24591 Fairview Avenue, Hayward, CA. The service will be immediately followed by a gathering of family and friends