Jose "Pepe" Diaz, age 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on July 24, 2024, in Palm City, Florida. He was born on May 14, 1931, in Montijo, Panama to the late Macario Diaz and Balbina Alvarez de Diaz, and was the second youngest of eight children.

In Panama, he was a farmer, a teacher, an insurance bill collector, a government worker, a cafe cashier, and even a licensed airplane pilot. After winning $2,000 in the Panama lottery, he traveled to the United States in 1956 where he spent time living with sisters in Michigan, Virginia and Delaware.

In 1971, he married Josefa Carrizo in Panama and together they made a home in the neighborhood of Lynnfield, in Wilmington, Delaware for 50 years. Pepe's loving wife, Josefa, aka "Fefa", played a key role in bringing him closer to his faith and to God where they were devout members of the Catholic community at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wilmington, Delaware before moving in 2022 and becoming parishioners at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Palm City, Florida.

In Delaware, Pepe led a 40+ year career as a self-employed, general contractor specializing in mobile homes. He handled work in plumbing, electrical and HVAC as well as installing awnings, screen rooms and skirtings for trailers. He built his business by word of mouth and his customers knew they could count on him in times of need, often going out to fix a broken heater in the middle of a cold winter's night. Pepe's resourcefulness and ability to fix just about anything made him a beloved figure among customers and friends alike. He was methodical in his work and always busy, whether it was tinkering in his basement, helping a neighbor with a task or working on a project for a family member.

His favorite foods included Alaskan King Crab Legs, Birthday Cake Little Bites, and any chocolate. Pepe loved playing the lottery. He even asked for certain Powerball numbers up to the day he passed. He also watched every Phillies game with his wife (who is the avid fan). Most of all, Pepe was the happiest spending time with his grandchildren and living with them.

Pepe was known for his quick-wit, humor, and caring nature and will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his parents and 7 siblings. Pepe is survived by his wife of 52 years Fefa, daughters Thelma Diaz and Jennifer Marcon (Jeff), grandchildren Nicole and Daniel, and many nieces and nephews.

A mass in memory of Pepe will be held on August 12th at 10 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Palm City, Florida, followed by a memorial service at Forest Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization close to Pepe's heart. Pepe's legacy of kindness, humor, and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew him.