Milton P. Diaz

Milton P. “Dink” Diaz

“Devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather”

Milton P. Diaz, 77, of Hickory passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2017 in his home following a courageous battle with cancer.

Being a faithful Christian, and having the support of his loving family, gave him the courage to peacefully accept God’s will when he went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He was born August 10, 1940 in Los Angeles, CA the son of the late Milton C. and Anna Turtzer Diaz.

Mr. Diaz was a longtime member of Central Assembly of God Church in Houston where he served on the Deacon Board, and volunteered for various church functions including ushering, teaching Sunday School and the Agape Café Ministry.

He was a member of the Indian Springs Rod and Gun Club, and the North American Hunting Club and enjoyed hunting and fishing for many years.

Mr. Diaz was an honorably discharged Veteran of the Pennsylvania National Guard having served for six years.  His military service had been extended for one year due to the Cuban Missile Crisis.  He qualified as an Expert Marksman with the M1 rifle.

He had a passion for sports and was a baseball team member of Guttman Oilers 1950 championship team and the Charleroi Lions championship teams 1950, 1952 and 1953.  In 1954 he was a member of the Monongahela Pony League World Championship Team.  He was a full four-year scholarship recipient and four-year letterman in football at California State College and team member on their championship team in 1958 having an undefeated 8-0 winning season; one of only two teams in school history to achieve this goal.

During his military service he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from California University of Pennsylvania in 1962.  He also Earned a Master’s Degree in Education with Administration and Management from Duquesne University in 1970.

Over the years, he was employed as a guidance counselor at the Youth Forestry Camp in Raccoon State Park, Educator at Hanover Area School District, Ringgold School District where he began to transition into school administration, and then became a Longtime School Supervisor at Ft. Cherry Elementary School.

 Following his retirement he worked at Ace Sporting Goods in Washington for one year, and because of his passion for education, began teaching again at Central Christian Academy.

He drove school bus for Ft. Cherry School district and for Jake Schneider Bus Company transporting special needs students. 

On May 4, 1961 he married Darlene Wickerham with whom he recently celebrated fifty-six years of marriage. 

Surviving are his children Cindy (Bob) Slavik of Weirton, WV, Paul (Sherri) Diaz of Hermitage, PA, Alicia (Bob) Shea of Waynesboro, PA and Shawn (Kelly) Diaz of Washington.  Also surviving are nine grandchildren Katie Diamond, Rachel (Mark) Mantsch, Hannah, Gracie and Jonathan Diaz, Nicole Shea, Jacob (Fiance’ Mandy Huntzberry) Shea, Kayla and Kloey Diaz and three great grandchildren Karis McNeel, Gabriella and Chase Mantsch and a sister Joanne (Eric) Burson of Poland, OH.  Surviving is a brother-in-law Harold Huzela.

Deceased in addition to his parents is a brother Dale Diaz, a sister-in-law Ruth Huzela and a brother-in-law John (Carol) Wickerham.

Friends will be received from 3-8 p.m. Saturday in Dale D. DeAngelo Funeral Home at 1290 Jefferson Ave. in Washington where celebration of life will be held at 7:00 p.m. Saturday by Lead Pastor Kurt Jenkins of Central Assembly of God.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that memorial donations be made to Amedysis Hospice at 275 Meadowlands Blvd. Washington, Pa 15301.

A guestbook is available at www.deangelocare.com.

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