Mario Ignacio Diaz

Resident of Watsonville

November 6, 1978 – July 22, 2012

Mario Ignacio Diaz was called to rest on July 22, 2012 at the age of 33 from his home in Watsonville. Mario was born at Watsonville Community Hospital on November 6, 1978 and raised in Watsonville attending local schools and graduating from Watsonville High. He was employed by Santa Cruz County and worked at the Buena Vista Landfill for many years where he was well known and well-liked by many members of the community as well as his co-workers and friends. A dedicated and hard worker, Mario enjoyed his time at his job serving the community.

The passion in his life was his two sons and two daughters. Mario lived for his children and spent every free hour he could with them – baking cookies, watching movies and WWE, drawing and coloring at home, playing games, and running around at the park. He adored his children who, in turn, cherished their father very much. He was a very gifted, intelligent, and thoughtful young man with a gentle demeanor and likeable disposition. Owner of a subtle sense of humor, he was witty and funny, which endeared him to everyone who knew him. He loved to discuss sports, religion, current events, books, music, philosophy and politics. He enjoyed many sports, but his favorite sports team was the San Francisco Giants. He treasured his large collection of baseball cards gathered in his youth and was always seen with his baseball cap on his head. He also loved to play poker, both on the internet and at the table. Mario greatly enjoyed music of varied genres – Spanish, Classic Rock, Contemporary, and Rap which were constantly playing on his stereo both at home and in his car.

After his all too brief stay with us, as part of his legacy, Mario leaves behind his four loving children, Tatiana, Anthony, Alex, and Bella. Also awaiting a future reunion with him are his mother and stepfather, Alicia Godinez Martinez and Steven M. Martinez (Watsonville). He is survived by his maternal grandmother, Antonia Andrade Godinez (Watsonville) and by the following uncles and aunts: Salvador and Maria de Jesus Avina (El Paso, TX), Roberto Godinez (Watsonville), Alfonso and Mina Solorio (Watsonville), Paty Garcia (Salinas, CA); Lupe and Lupita Ocampo (Santa Ana, CA) as well as many, many cousins. He was preceded in departure from this temporary earthen abode by his aunt, Graciela Godinez, and maternal grandfather, Julian Godinez.

Mario was the light of our world and will be painfully missed. Although Heaven is richer for his presence in it, our world is emptier without him. He was a beautiful boy, a splendid man, a marvelously loving father, and the heartbeat of his mother’s life. His shining earthly light dimmed too quickly but now burns bright at God’s side serving to guide us home.

A visitation will be held at Mehl’s Colonial Chapel on Monday, July 30th from 5-9 P.M. Services will take place at Green Valley Christian Center, 376 S. Green Valley Rd., Watsonville on Tuesday, July 31st at 10:30 A.M. with burial to follow at Valley Public Cemetery.



For the complete article see the 07-28-2012 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 07-28-2012 paper.

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