Alfonso Diaz Jr.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Alfonso Diaz Jr. went home to Heaven on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at the age of 64. He passed away due to cancer.

Alfonso Diaz Jr. was born to Jesus Alfonso and Eleanor Ruiz Diaz on July 9, 1957 in Hollister, California. He was the third of five children with siblings Alice, Abbie, Larry and Diane. As a teen, he excelled in sports, with a genuine love for football. He was fun, genuine and unapologetically himself. His energy and presence when he entered the room was unmatched. He attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Hollister High School in 1975. He was married to Barbara Britt Diaz, his junior high and highschool sweetheart. They had four children, Amber, Damien, Joshua and David. He took Christian education courses as well as taught Children’s Church along with his wife for many years.

Alfonso was a licensed contractor as a very young adult. He was a general contractor as well as a roofing contractor. He owned Al Diaz Roofing & Construction for many years. He also enjoyed drawing architectural plans for construction. In his latter years of life, he made the most positive impact on young men when he became a mentor, counseling and guiding men to Jesus Christ, his Savior. He was attending college, taking psychology/counseling courses to enhance his knowledge, to ultimately help others grow their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Alfonso Diaz, also known as Al or Junior was loved by many and he loved many in return. The love for his family and friends was greater than any words could clearly express. He was extremely proud of his loved ones. He not only loved his grandchildren, he adored them. They were literally the light of his life. He beamed with pride and admiration when speaking their names.

He showed up for his grandchildren in many ways, from going to sporting events, to early morning hot chocolate, burrito and donut deliveries, to shopping sprees, to concerts, to picking them up from school and taking them out to lunch or dinner, from bbqing for a USC game, to taking them to college and professional games and simply watching movies together and calling them to talk about their day or their dance or their sport. He truly loved them deeply and simply wanted to be the best person he could be for them. He was a giving man who helped those in need. He loved the beach, watching sports, especially football where he loved the USC Trojans (Fight On) as well as the Hollister Haybalers, where he watched his grandchildren, nephews and many family members play.

In earlier years, he loved the Forty-Niners and together with his grandson, he grew a love for the Steelers. He had a garden where he loved growing vegetables for the dishes he made. He loved to eat good food, make good food and share it with his friends and family. He know where all the good restaurants were. He loved to cook his amazing posole and famous breakfast burritos that were loved by so many. He loved hosting his Fourth of July family bbqs and prime rib dinners. Most of all, he loved his Lord, Jesus Christ. You were the best Grandpa, you were one of a kind Grandpa Al. We love you with our whole hearts. You will be missed dearly. It is not goodbye, it is, see you again someday.

Alfonso is survived by his children Amber Lee Diaz Botelho and her husband Brian Botelho, Damien Christopher Diaz and his wife Liz Diaz, Joshua Keith Diaz and his wife Lacey Diaz, David Samuel Diaz and his grandchildren Damien Botelho, Barbara Jayda Botelho, Isabela Botelho, Audyn Diaz, Donovan Diaz, Oakley Diaz, Berkley Diaz, Hartley Diaz and Avery Diaz. He is also survived by his siblings Alice Haro, Abbie Diaz, Larry Diaz, Diane Diaz Hopkins and many nephews, nieces, cousins, uncles, aunts, in-laws and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Britt Diaz, mother Eleanor Ruiz Diaz, father Jesus Alfonso Diaz, grandmother Ynes Diaz, grandfather Jesus Angulo Diaz, grandfather Gregorio Ruiz and grandmother Antonia Casas Ruiz.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Family Funeral Home. Reception will follow immediately after service located at Legacy Church, 372 4th Street, Hollistr.

Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Covid rules will apply; Mandatory Mask.