PAULDING, OH: Thomas Angel Diaz, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, IN.
Tom was born on July 17, 1949 in Naranjito, Puerto Rico to the late Demetrio and Felicita (Ortiz) Diaz. On November 25, 1972, he married Rita Bakle who survives. Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Tom was a member of the Paulding V.F.W. Post 587, Paulding Knights of Columbus, and the Maumee Valley Car Club in Defiance. He served as a reserve deputy for the Paulding County and Van Wert County Sheriff’s Offices. Tom served on the Paulding Village Council for 10 years and was involved with many other community organizations. He was a devoted member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, Paulding.
Although Tom was not born in Paulding, he adopted it as his hometown when he moved here in 1974. He could often be found at Holly Wood & Vine Cafe in the morning and McDonald’s in the afternoon, always with his companion dog, Xena. One of the greatest things about Tom was that he never met a stranger. He loved to tell stories and make people smile and laugh, especially children. He was a great friend to anyone and everyone.
Along with his wife, Rita, Tom is survived by his two sons: Anthony “Tito” (Kathryn) Diaz, Queen Creek, AZ; Demetrius (LeeAnn) Diaz, Louisville, KY; twin sister, Carmen (Bill) Sibillia, Richmond, VA; sister, Anna (Miguel) Pagan, Parrish, FL; grandson, Dakota Diaz, Paulding, OH; great grandson, Jaxon Diaz; many loving nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, Paulding with Father Austin Ammanniti officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Jackson Township with military rites accorded by the Paulding V.F.W. Post 587.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Den Herder Funeral Home with a rosary service at 7:30 P.M. There will also be visitation from 10:00 A.M. until time of services on Saturday at the church.
The family requests no flowers or funeral memorabilia. Please direct any memorial contributions to the Caring and Sharing Food Pantry in Paulding.
Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.
