Miguel "Mike" S. Diaz

Miguel "Mike" S. Diaz passed away peacefully at home on July 3, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.  Mike was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico where he lived during his childhood and later relocated to Bayonne when he was 8-years old.  Known for his strong work ethic, he pursued a career as a tractor trailor driver that spanned for more than 55 years. Before his retirement he held a longtime position with the Mystic Fuel Carriers in Matawan, NJ. 

As a member of the Liberty Car Club, Mike's growing knowledge in the automotive industry earned him a reputation as an esteemed expert in collecting and restoring vintage cars.  After seeking out the rarest of all classics, he became the proud owner of a 1969 Camaro convertible that he rebuilt from bottom to top and a 1971 Nova that he changed to chrome-plated.   

Mike was truly a free spirit with a zest for life. He enjoyed meeting up with friends and taking adventurous rides on his motorcycles (with his all-time favorite being his "Harley Sportster.")  A devoted outdoorsman, he owned several boats over the years and found great pleasure in sailing to the Jersey Shore on his 18-footer.  Mike took honor and privilege as the Quartermaster for the Drum Corp Organization, the Bayonne Kidets Drum Corp, and the Bridgemen Drum Corp.  Accomplished in martial arts, he achieved his 3rd-degree black belt studying under noted instructor Don Nagle of the Isshinryu School of Karate and taught karate to children at the Bayonne YMCA.  

Mike's remarkable achievements and legacy will live on in the hearts of his loving family and the countless people whose lives he enriched.  

Survived by his wife of 58 glorious years, Carol (nee: Patrick) Diaz; his daughter, Doreen; his brother, Carlos A. Diaz; three grandchildren, Brian K., Jasmine A., and Devin M. Dameron; his great-granddaughter, Serenity Dameron, his sister-in-law, Barbara Kondratiuk and her husband Serge; and his brother-in-law, Robert Patrick.  Predeceased by parents, Silverio and Juanita (Cabrera) Diaz, and his brother, Jose Diaz, and brother-in-law, John Patrick "Frankie." 

A visitation will be held at the Dworzanski & Son Funeral Home, on Thursday, July 6, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.  A funeral mass in Mike's honor will be held on Friday, July 7, at 10:30 at St. John Paul II Parish of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.  Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ. 

Safely Home

I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.

All pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade'
Oh! But Jesus’ love illumined
Every dark and fearful glade.

And He came Himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus’ arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt, dread'

Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still:
Try to look beyond earth’s shadows,
Pray to trust our Father’s will.

There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth
You shall rest in Jesus’ land.

When the work is all completed,
He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Miguel "Mike" S. Diaz, please visit our floral store.