Obituary of Johnny Diaz, Jr.

Johnny Diaz was born on July 11, 1990 in St. Vincents Hospital, in Staten Island, NY. He was the first child born to Johnny and Dianne Diaz. Johnny, affectionately known as "John John" departed this life on February 11, 2019 at the age of 28. Johnny attended Mount Carmel-St Benedicta Catholic school and graduated from McKee High school in 2008. Johnny was very close to his family, especially his cousins, dubbed the three Musketeers, Jamie, Lisa and John, John. Along came his sister Maleka, and cousin Brandon. They all lived in Staten Island and were together all the time as children, sometimes, living under the same roof. Travis, also a cousin, did not live in Staten Island, but was one of Johnny's best friends and confidant, he was there for every occasion. Johnny loved all his cousins equally, but these four were part of his core base. Johnny loved the holidays, on the Fourth of July, his Mom would cook plenty of food and he would invite his friends over for the annual bbq. He really enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas, because at these holidays, his aunts and uncles would bring over their specialty dish as well, and … we all know how much he loved eating good food! It was during these gatherings that he enjoyed hanging out with his family where there would be music playing, dancing, card games and stimulating conversations. Johnny loved life and he lived it to the fullest, he did as much as he could in his twenty-eight years, then most do in their entire lives. Those who knew him even just a little, have lost a shining light in their lives. As Vivian Lum stated so beautifully "there is no doubt that Johnny lived and breathed life wherever he went. He brought love and joy to whomever he touched. To his family and close friends, he provided loyalty and genuine companionship that no other could give. Never to think of himself first, our selfless Johnny placed his family and friends on pedestals and gave us his heart. He was a man of his word and truly epitomized the meaning of friendship. Always the first to offer help when needed and willing to travel great distances to help... this was our Johnny, our kind and gentle angel of life. Johnny was passionate about photography, art, the movies, and fashion design (he loved his boots and colorful scarves)! Anyone could definitely see his iconic flair as soon as he stepped into the room, with his suave saunter and warm smile. Always the creative individual, Johnny loved designing his own jackets and was eager to get his label, Johnny Reid up and running. He loved perusing the local art galleries and catching the latest movies with his friends. This is what defined our Johnny...his love and loyalty to all, and this, we can not and will not, ever forget." Johnny was previously employed at Aritzia for seven years, where he formed both professional and personal relationships with his co-workers, whom he considered a part of his family. At the time of his passing, Johnny was employed as a Production Coordinator at Air/Aroma. Although, he only worked there for a short period of time, he bonded with his co-workers and would often go out with them to dinner and Karaoke. Johnny is survived by his parents Johnny and Dianne Diaz, his sister Maleka Diaz, his grandparents Peter Turner and Juan Diaz, his great grandmother Daisy Turner, his great aunt Marion Morgan, seven aunts, Suzette, Novia, Denise, Yolanda, Millie, Ginny-Ann, two uncle's Paul and Emanuel-John. His first cousins Jamie, Lisa, Brandon, Andrea, Israel and a host of great aunts, cousins and friends. Johnny was greeted into heaven by his grandmother Cynthia Turner and aunt Keri-Ann Turner Dorman. Johnny had a smile that was sincere and beautiful, he gave the best and most tender hugs; his hugs were so good you never wanted to let him go. He will be thoroughly missed by his family and friends.