July 4, 1983 - November 9, 2023
Raymond John Diaz, a life-long resident of Colton, California, passed away at the tender age of 40 on November 9, 2023, surrounded with his family lovingly at his side. He was born on July 4, 1983, to the parents of Joseph (Joe) Abel Diaz and Ramona Marie Cisneros. He was the fourth child out of five all-brother children.
Ray, a boisterous character with pure love at heart, believed in God, bringing family together in colorful ways, and enjoying life to the fullest. In 2013, Raymond joined hands with his beloved wife, Betsy [Delgado], in holy matrimony. Together for over 20 years, the couple had three beautiful children, Raymond Jr. (20), Abreana (14), and Alani (7). Raymond adored his children as they were his pride and joy and found excitement in coaching them in fútbol through the years. Raymond’s proudest moments in life were watching the birth of his children, seeing his son Ray Jr. graduate high school and then enter the college league, as his avid and fierce soccer-playing daughter Abre gracefully swept the fields using the techniques her daddy taught her. Meanwhile, his little sparkler, Alani, who as fate would have it, came into the world like a firecracker on her daddy's birthday, was blossoming and learning something new to share with her daddy every day.
Raymond worked hard for his family as he went through the ranks of his career, first starting with warehouse logistics, to later challenging himself to become a certified welder. With visions to build his family legacy, he joined M & D Construction, serving as Superintendent to help his older brother grow the business. Ray was known to question and challenge contemporary practices to ensure the authenticity of himself and others while always keeping it real.
Ray is survived by his beautiful wife, Betsy, three children, his loving mother Ramona, mother-in-law Silvia Delgado, two sister-in-laws Valerie Carrizales (Christian), Lydia Delgado (Dorris), along with his four brothers (a.k.a. the Diaz Brothers of Serrano Court) Eric, Abel (Lupita), Ruben (Stacie), Gabriel (Alyssa), fourteen nieces and nephews, and two great nieces and one great nephew. Raymond was predeceased by his father Joe, niece Marlayna, nephew Abraham, Nina Leticia, uncle Javier, grandma Juanita Diaz, and grandma Cisneros.
Raymond most loved spending his time watching sports with his brothers, catching up with family and friends, and making meaningful memories using his smooth dance moves, all the while having a good time. His physical presence may no longer be with us and he will be missed dearly; however, his spirit lives on through his children, close family, friends, and the countless “Raymond” stories each one of us holds near and dear to our heart.
Mass and interment will take place on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 10 a.m. at the Hermosa Gardens Cemetery, 900 Meridian Street, Colton, CA 92324.
May the perpetual light shine upon him as he rests in peace.
