U.S. Navy veteran of World War II
NORTH READING — Arthur J. Diaz, Sr., 87, of North Andover, formerly of Estero, Fla. and North Reading, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014 with his daughter, granddaughter and his buddy Gordie at his side.
Born in Lynn on Aug. 12, 1927, he was the son of the late Olive R. (Wilson) Diaz. He was raised and attended school in Freeport, N.Y. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II and he served in the Battle of Midway.
Arthur worked as a hoisting engineer for Local 4 in Boston and worked for the Baldwin Steel Company in North Andover for over 25 years. He was a former resident of North Reading for 41 years, he was a member of the North Reading Masonic Lodge, AF&AM and a member of the Shriners. He was member of the Union Congregational Church, Little League and was a former Special Police officer, all in North Reading. He also was a member of the Danvers Fish and Game and the Pelican R.V. Association.
He always enjoyed lending a helping hand, being involved in clubs, coaching baseball and especially being with his great–grandchildren. Arthur was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf and wintering in Florida, until his retiring there.
He was the beloved husband of 67 years to Margery (Wigton) Diaz; the loving father of Melissa Standley of North Reading, Arthur J. Diaz Jr. and Donald J. Diaz, both of South Carolina; the brother of Arnold Diaz and his wife Susan of South Carolina; the cherished grandfather of Lori, Matt, Jeni and Sara and great–grandfather of Blaize, Zoe, Phineas.
His funeral service was held at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to: New England Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1600 Providence Highway, Suite 143, Walpole MA 02081. U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII. www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
