Thomas Diaz

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Tom DIaz passed away peacefully on June 24, 2023, with his family at his side in his home in Beltsville, MD.

Born September 1, 1937 in NY, NY to the late Mr. Jacob Notkowitz and Ms. Carmen Marquez. Being born and raised in New York explains why he was an avid “Giants” fan.
He grew up in Saint Agatha’s orphanage in Nanuet, NY.

Tom is predeceased by his Siblings: Margie, Ritchie, Cleo, Eileen & Elenor  Also his son, Tommy Diaz, passed in 2020 at the age of 53 and his granddaughter Michelle Holley in 2019
Surviving Siblings are Norma, Evelyn & David

Tom is Survived by his beloved wife Carol Diaz, they were together 47yrs. Tom & Carol met at a dance club (love at first sight)! They built a life together and remained deeply in love as they truly were best friends

Everyone who knew Tom knows he was loving, generous, sincere and a devoted husband, father and friend.

Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2022 he was determined to beat the disease as he fought strong & hard for nearly a year. He made a promise to his wife Carol that he’d give her 6 more years, but as we all know we don’t always get what we want  He tried his best and through it all he always had his wonderful sense of humor!

Tom loved the Stock Market! He was an active trader and in fact had become a millionaire many times ( if only he hadn’t sold prior to the stock striking rich, lol) He was a devoted dog lover and loved to walk his dogs through the neighbor and chat up a storm with them (this made mom a bit jealous). Tom loved to party! He was an entertainer with his singing, dancing & hearty laughter. He was all about family and believed in family unity.

Tom was an Air Force Veteran, he spent time serving in Iceland . For most of his life he built and monitored satellites for Grumman and OAO Aerospace corporations. He was an avid sportsman, playing softball for many years until his team made him retire because they could not get an oxygen tank to haul around the bases! Lol

Tom Diaz is survived by his 5 children & their respective spouses:
Doyle & (Taura) Dunnam, Phyllis Stuck, Becky & (Dave) Goodacre,
Christine & (Greg) Pereira, Heath & (Landis) Chilcoate and
8 Grandchildren: Doyle Jr, Collin, Floyd, Nicole, Sophia, Bella, Maeve & Henley also 2 Great-Grandchildren: Stuart & Derek.
Tom is also survived by many Nieces & Nephews throughout New York, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia

Tom did not want a memorial service, instead he wanted a party to celebrate his life. A Celebration of Life Event is being planned for September for all who would like to come and have a drink in his honor.
We will send out more information at a later date.

Tom Diaz will have a resting place in Arlington National Cemetery's columbarium.