Juan Gilberto Diaz, Sr. passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Flor Maria Diaz, his son, Carlos Diaz, daughter-in-law Sydney Stone, and sister Aida Pilar Frayer.

Juan is preceded in death by his parents Maria Genoveva Perez and Gilberto Diaz, and his son, Juan Gilberto Diaz, Jr.

Juan was born in Puerto Rico on September 2, 1941. He came to New York in the mid-fifties, settling on the Upper West Side of Manhattan where he met and eventually married his beautiful wife, Flor. It was here that he worked at a grocery store, Maloney’s, which he eventually wound up buying from its original owner. He went on to own several other bodegas in Manhattan before working as a security guard at New York Presbyterian Hospital where he retired in 2016 after twenty-three years. Juan loved his salsa music and his sports. He was an avid New York Yankees and New York Knicks fan. He was also a huge fan of boxing and had the opportunity to meet many famous boxers, including Muhammad Ali.

Juan loved to socialize and tell stories of growing up in Puerto Rico, his love for New York City, and especially the Upper West Side.

A wake will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024 from 8:30 am - 10:15 am at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471. Mass will follow next door at 10:30 am at St. Margaret of Cortona, 6000 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY 10471. 

Flowers are welcome as well as donations to St. Margaret of Cortona Church.

Riverdale-On-Hudson Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Juan Gilberto Diaz Sr. Funeral Mass Time: Apr 15, 2024 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84434971356 Meeting ID: 844 3497 1356

Please text or WhatsApp message Will Jacobson: (914) 357-3332 if you are having any issues with Zoom.