Ralph Diaz

Ralph Diaz Sr., 92, of Winter Haven, FL passed away Thursday, April 12, 2018, at Winter Haven Hospital. He was a native of Tampa, FL, born July 8, 1925. Ralph moved to Winter Haven in 1960 from Tampa. He was a retired Educator, receiving his degree in Education at the University of Tampa and Masters Degree at the University of Florida. He was the first science teacher on WEDU educational television station. Ralph participated in THE LIONS CLUB in Tampa for many years. In 1960 he was offered a position with Polk County Schools as Supervisor of Elementary Education and later he became the Director of Federal Projects for Polk County Schools. Ralph served in the Pacific Theater during WWII in the US ARMY AIR CORP that later became the US AIR FORCE. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church for over 50 years where he served in the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, was a Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, and former District Director for the Knights of Columbus. He also wrote a grant that purchased property for the Polk Training Center for Handicapped Citizens & Parents Association. Ralph was preceded in death by his loving wife of 73 years, Olga Leon Diaz and daughter Sharon Elaine Diaz. He is survived by his son Ralph Diaz, Jr. of Apex, NC; his daughters, Irene Diaz Simmons, and Cathy Anne Diaz, both of Winter Haven, 5 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Memorial Mass will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, April 21, 2018, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Lakeside Memorial Park with Military Honors. Condolences to the family can be sent to: www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.