Daniel J. Diaz

Master Sergeant (Retired) Daniel Javier Diaz peacefully passed away on November 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.  True to his main character energy, Veterans Day no less.

Dan was born on July 6, 1944, in Salinas Victoria, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, to Daniel Trevino Diaz and Maria Del Socorro Diaz Morales.  He immigrated to the United States on May 27, 1947, first to Brownsville, Texas, and then to the birthplace of his mother, Chicago, Illinois.

Dan grew up running the streets of South Side Chicago with his brother from another mother, George Hilan, until his shenanigans caught up to him when the Sisters of Mercy had no more mercy for him and he was sent to military Catholic school in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.  There, his fate was left to the Jesuit Brothers.

Upon graduating from High School, he returned to Chicago and, on May 5, 1964, he was inducted into the United States Army.  Dan was a combat veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam until his honorable discharge in 1966. 

After leaving the Army, Dan served a civilian contract in the Republic of Vietnam.  He then went on to be employed as a Station Manager for Aeromexico, working in San Antonio, Texas, Toronto, Canada, and Los Angeles, California. He then went on to work as an Aircraft Machinist until returning to the military.

Dan returned to the military in 1980, joining the California Army National Guard (on the same day as his brother-in-arms Mark Anthony Carrasco).  In Vietnam, he served with the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 2nd Battalion 32nd Artillery, 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One). His distinguished career included leadership as a Squad Leader, Company B, 1st Battalion 160th Infantry.  He served as a Reenlistment NCO and, over the years, served as an Area Retention NCO supporting as many as 40 units.   He served with Detachment 5 STARC until his retirement in 2002.  His military decorations include Combat Infantry Badge, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal (3rd Award), Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Ribbon with Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Army Service Ribbon, Career Counselor Badge, Recruiting Badge, Expert (Rifle M14) Badge. He served honorably for a total of 25 years, proud to be a Career Counselor, and retired at the rank of Master Sergeant.

We would be remiss if we did not mention his civil decorations:  Hole in One, 11th hole, Lemoore Golf Course (2014) and Hole in One, 7th Hole, Lemoore Golf Course (2016). 

He is survived by his loving wife, Maureen Diaz; his beloved daughters, Alicia Diaz Wrest and spouse Ronnie, Victoria Lynn Rioux and spouse George, Patricia Ann Marie Ramos, and spouse Jess; his joy-grandchildren Anna Theresa Rioux, Olivia Marie Rioux, Levi Ronnie Wrest, and Oliver Ryan Wrest, all of Hanford, California.  He is also survived by his sister Norma Nuñez Diaz and spouse Luis of San Antonio, Texas, his sister-in-law Olga Diaz Lopez of Lancaster, California, as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Upon his transition into the afterlife, he was reunited with his father, Daniel Trevino Diaz, his mother, Maria Del Socorro Diaz Morales, his brothers Candelario "Lalo" "Ray" Diaz, and David Diaz and spouse, Cristine.  Dan had a devotion to the BVM Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos, who was surely waiting for him to come home. 

Dan will be remembered for his intelligence, leadership skills, charm, charisma, wit, but most of all his huge heart.  He was very proud of the life he and Maureen had built for his family.  He was so proud of his daughters’ education, careers, and marriages.  Dan loved his sons-in-law and claimed them as his own sons.  He was the truest of family men and was caretaker and best friend to his grandchildren.  Dan loved to golf, smoke cigars, and have a good meal.  Everybody loved Dan, but nobody more than Dan himself. Dan’s identity could not be separated from his career in the military.  He was a soldier's soldier.

Services: Rosary & Visitation – Tuesday,  November 25, 2025, 6:00 P.M. Whitehurst McNamara Mortuary, 100 W. Bush Street, Hanford, CA 93230

Funeral Service -  Wednesday, November 26, 2025, 10:00 A.M. St. Brigid Church, 200 E. Florinda, Hanford, California 93230, (Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial) with Graveside Commitment, Military Funeral Honors will be accorded, immediately following, 11680 S. 10th Avenue, Hanford, California 93230.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dan’s name to the National MS Society.

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