Frank O. Diaz

Frank O. Diaz Sr., 93, passed away at 9:36 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at St. Rita’s Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. 

Frank was born on January 3, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas, to Gonzalo and Josefina (Ozuna) Diaz Sr.  On December 18, 1949, he married Margarita (Perez) Diaz, who preceded him in death on July 25, 2020, after 71 beautiful years together.

Frank served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and then worked at Teledyne Ohio Steel as an Instrument Repairman.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the UAW Local 975, where he served as President for 25 years.  He was a member of St. Johns Catholic Church. Frank enjoyed traveling to Michigan and Texas, and also his casino trips to Las Vegas where he could put his card shark skills to work.  He was an avid Lima Senior High, Ohio State, and Dallas Cowboys fan.   Above all he was a family man; loving the time he got to spend with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his sons: John Diaz, Frank (Michelle) Diaz Jr., George (Christine) Diaz, and Mark Diaz; grandchildren, Valanne Smith, Michael (April) Diaz, and Zach Thomas; great-grandchildren, Aliyah White, and Anthony Diaz; sister, Olivia (Gilbert) Marin; brother, Gonzalo (Olga dec’d) Diaz Jr. and all members of both the Mendez and Cortez families. 

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Kamilah White; brothers, Richard and Roy; special brother, Roy (Donna) Mendez; sisters, Hope and Lupe.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, with a wake service at 7:30 p.m. at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio.  The funeral mass will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at St. John’s Catholic Church.  Father Mike Sergi will officiate.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.