Beloved husband, father and grandfather, and Phoenix’s first Hispanic city councilman, passed away on Friday, March 5, 2010, surrounded by family in his home in Phoenix. He was 100. Diaz was born in Flagstaff, AZ in 1909 and moved to Phoenix as a child. He became the manager of the Luhr’s properties, a position he held throughout his career. As a young man, he was invited by Barry Goldwater to participate on the City Charter government ticket for city council. He was elected and served on the city council in the early 1950’s as a councilmember and vice mayor. He remained politically active throughout his life, serving on numerous boards and commissions, including school boards, heading the “Viva Kennedy” campaign in Arizona, and serving on the Clinton administration’s White House Council on Aging. In 2007, the city of Phoenix named the Adam Diaz Senior Center in his honor. He is survived by his wife Francis, his daughters Sally and Olivia, and his son Joe,
step-children Bobby, Frank, Hector, Ana, Susan, Maria and Victoria, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 10, 2010 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM with a Rosary from 7:00 – 8:00 PM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 909 S. 1st Ave., Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.
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Ana Gutierrez and David Steinman
We will miss you dearly, Tata – God Bless You! XOXO
Al Ramirez
Adam Diaz will never be forgotten. I’ve known him for many years. He was a warm and beautiful person. His daughter Sally was a part of my wedding in 1958. God blessed our community with Adam Diaz. Al
Roberto Reveles
Adam will always be remembered for his pioneering work in promoting civic involvement among the Latino community. His positive influence was felt beyond the Phoenix area, extending to our smaller communities like my hometown of Miami where I heard of Adam’s leadership and good works. He leaves a rich legacy beyond narrow partisan boundaries, a legacy worthy of being emulated by all of us.. Descanse en paz.
Bill Acree
May you rest in peace after a long and happy life.I first met Mr Diaz in the early 70s at the Luhrs building where I worked for a lawyer. MrDiaz was always around taking care of the building smiling and very freindly. I came to know his son Joe very well also in the 70s. A great guy who talked about his Dad often. Please accept my sincere condolences.. Bill Acree
Anthony N. (Tony) Beltran
Mr. Diaz was an inspiration to many of us in the Hispanic Community. I was born in Flagstaff and came to Phoenix in 1949.
We ended up in the Marcos and went to St. Anthony’s Church.
I was in a church group (The Crusaders), and he came to a
luncheon as guest speaker. I saw him many times over the years
and he was always encouraging to me. And he never forgot the
kid from the Marcos. At his 100th birthday celebration at Post 41
I said hello and he said “Tony Beltran.” I’ll never forget him.
Mary Ellen (Finbrez) Evans
Please accept my deepest condolences. I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there. I would have been had I known. I’ll hold him in my heart.
Lots of love. Mary Ellen (Finbrez) Evans
Clifton, Colorado 81520