Rafael Diaz

Rafael Diaz, 96, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 23, 2023. He was born in Naranjito, Puerto Rico to the late Jose R. Diaz and Manuela Rivera.  
Rafael proudly served in the US Army during WWII and after his military service, he raised his family of seven children in Bridgeport.  He worked as an Inspector at Jenkins Valve, and upon his retirement as a Security Officer in the Health Care industry.  
He enjoyed conversations and documentaries about history and politics, his music, especially his Le-Lo-Lai songs and his love of farming on his land in Naranjito upon retirement. 
Rafael is predeceased by his wife, Belen Rodriguez Morales, his son Victor M Diaz, his grandson Michael Sean Diaz, his siblings-Gloria Arroyo, Emelia Diaz, Ramon Diaz, Gregorio Diaz, Benedicta Cintron, Maria Elisa Rodriguez and Dolores Rodriguez. 
He leaves to cherish his memory his son Hector R Diaz (wife Gladys), daughters Edna Cruz (husband Agapito), Neida Robles, Maria Diaz Baer, Sarah Silano (husband Ralph), Yvette Pelloquin, daughter-in-law Lori Diaz, his precious grandchildren Natalie Hernandez (husband Jason), Nikki Diaz Cruz (husband Ferdinand), Danielle Peterson Robles (husband Johnathan), Joseph Diaz (wife Joanna), Carla Connelly (husband Jason), David Baer, Jacqueline Silano, Bridgette Baer, Brittney Baer, Michael Silano (fiancé Soi Phakdee), 14 great grandchildren, his last surviving sibling, Maria Rivera Diaz, and all his nieces and nephews.  
Our family would like to thank all who provided gentle and compassionate care to our father at the VA hospice unit and would like to request in lieu of flowers to donate to The Fisher House at the VA West Haven which provides housing to grieving families of Veterans. 

Financial contributions may be mailed to:
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
Fisher House (135F)
ATTN: Amanda Salthouse
950 Campbell Avenue
West Haven, CT 06516

Make checks payable to:
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
Write on the memo line:
VACT Fisher House GPF 9015

Donations can also be made electronically:
https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/52253675/

A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 8:30 AM at Funeraria Luz de Paz, 426 E. Washington Ave., Bridgeport.  A Mass of Christian burial, will follow at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 545 Stratfield Rd, Fairfield, CT.  Internment of ashes will follow with all military honors at Mountain Grove cemetery 2675 North Ave., Bridgeport, CT