Tony Diaz

The world turned another page as a member of the Greatest Generation passed away. Anthony “Tony” Diaz (1929-2026) was born in the outskirts of Santa Paula, affectionally known among the latino community as “Tijuanita”. He joined his familia in 1929 at the beginning of The Great Depression, and with a new mouth to feed his family continued to harvest the fields to make ends meet. By 1936, as Tony turned 7 years old, his parents Jose Angel and Josefa Diaz started a Cantina on the corner of 10th and Telegraph Rd (later changed to Harvard Blvd), and promptly naming it “Las Quince Letras”. Unknowingly, this would eventually lead into a career in the food service industry with the Diaz family’s business lasting 80 years.

Milking cows before school and shining shoes for a quarter, Tony learned early on the reward of hard work. Going to Santa Paula High School he was blessed to be able to participate and excel on coach Randall Bryden’s powerhouse gymnastics teams. Tony specialized in the rope climb, however you would never hear him brag about finishing 3rd in the State, because he was also 3rd best at Santa Paula High with the Cardinal Boys sweeping the rope climb in CIF !! During his High School years, he was introduced to and fell in love with his future wife Celia Leon. They married in 1949 and would spend 64 years together until her sudden passing in 2013.

In 1952 Tony would join his parents in Las Quince Letras and would gradually change the Cantina into a Cafe, slowly introducing Mexican Food to the general populace. Through his adult life his hard work, dedication and business savvy would bring him various positions in the community. He served on Santa Paula’s Planning Commission, on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, along with the Board of Directors of Merchants & Farmers Bank, then finally on the Board of Directors with Citizens State Bank. In 1984, at the age of 55, he expanded the small cafe into a larger restaurant and renamed it Familia Diaz.

Through the years Tony was also a mentor to various former employees who started their own successful businesses. For example, Francisco Soltero started Pollo Bravo and Manuel Ortiz founded El Pescador. Then, after years of serving the community, Tony was blessed to be one of the first recipients of the historical Latino Town Hall’s “Businessman Award” in 1998. Even though his day to day participation in the restaurant started to decrease, the foundation of excellence he began continued with Familia Diaz. They went on to receive the Pacific Coast Business Times “Small Business Award” (2004), the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce “Business of the Year Award” (2008), The LA Times “Best of Food Awards” ( 5 years in a row), culminating in the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce’s “Sam Edwards Lifetime Award of Excellence” (2014). As his life progressed he always felt blessed and shared his financial success with various clubs, churches and organizations becoming a consummate Philanthropist.

Traveling was always high on Tony’s agenda. You could frequently catch him enjoying a glass of Crown Royal throughout Asia, from Central to South America, and in every corner of Europe. But, Mexico always held a special place in his heart as he enjoyed the food, the culture, the company of family and friends along with a fine Tequila. Whenever someone would ask Tony how he was doing he would always reply: “Enjoying it !!”

Unfortunately, after 96 years of living life to the fullest, the heavenly father called his name on the morning of Feb. 3rd, culminating a lifelong legacy. Tony is survived by his children Sandra (Bob) Tovias, Michael (Mary) Diaz, Daniel (Brenda) Diaz, Norma (Alan) Lyons, Joel ( Aly ) Diaz and 18 grand and great grandchildren. A special thank you to Helga Hight who was his heart felt companion, his confidant and his nurse as his age slowly progressed and extra care was needed and appreciated.

A Celebration of Life is planned on Monday February 23rd, with a 10 am Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and a graveside burial at Price Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery with reception following. In lieu of flowers Tony would want you to help strengthen your community and donate to your favorite charity.