Obituary of Romeo Diaz

ROMEO DIAZ EDINBURG – Romeo Diaz, 89, entered eternal rest Saturday, July 09, 2022, in Edinburg, Texas. Romeo was preceded in death by his parents Urbano Sr. and Beatrice Diaz; his brothers Remigio Diaz, Domingo Diaz, Manuel Diaz, Inez Diaz, Juan Sr. Diaz, Simon Diaz, Urbano Diaz, and sisters Celestina Navarro, Susana Limon, and Carmen Hernandez. Romeo graduated from Edinburg High School in 1952 and enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served until 1954. Upon his return from the military, Romeo enrolled at Pan American College where he played 2nd baseman on the baseball team and earned his degree in Education in 1958. Romeo started his career in the education field at the Brownsville ISD as an elementary school teacher. He later moved to Sam Houston Elementary in Edinburg where he coached physical education for many years. He later advanced in his career becoming a coordinator of the job placement component of the South Texas ISD Special Education program. He took great pride in working with community entities to acquire placements for special education students to be trained in various job skills. Romeo worked tirelessly training and connecting students to local community businesses and agencies until his retirement. This work with Special Ed students later led him to become a driving instructor with special focus on teaching people with disabilities to drive. Romeo loved playing golf and spending time with his family and grandchildren. In retirement, Romeo thoroughly enjoyed getting together with his friends weekly at restaurants reminiscing about the good old days. Romeo and his wife Mary Helen reconnected with their college now called UT-Rio Grande Valley as charter members of the Alumni Association and thoroughly enjoyed participating in a variety of their activities. Mr. Diaz is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Mary Helen (Sanchez) Diaz of Edinburg; three children Romeo Javier Diaz of Austin,TX, Aissa Marlene (Fernando Jr.) Herrera, of Alamo, TX, Marco Antonio Diaz of Edinburg, TX; five grandchildren, Brisa Mireya Herrera, Juan Fernando Herrera, Renae Elisabet Diaz, Abigail Nicole Diaz, Joshua Garza Diaz; one sister Julia Balderas of Edinburg, TX. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary, Thursday, July 21, 2022 at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg. Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 22, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg. Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg. Family encourages social distancing and face coverings during the funeral services.