For his many contributions to the San Marcos community, the late John A. Diaz was named as this year’s Día de los Muertos 5K Honoree.
Diaz followed in his entrepreneurial grandfather’s footsteps by starting his own business–Sign Arts– and successfully running it for over 30 years.
Born and raised in San Marcos, Diaz was known as a family-centered man who served the city and several community organizations during his lifetime.
“My Dad was involved with many community events and organizations, including being an active member of the San Marcos School Board, City Council member, LULAC 654 (League of United Latin American Citizens), the Lions Club and of course his business, Sign Arts,” his daughter, Cindy Diaz said. “These organizations are all obviously community-centered, and I think Dad loved being a part of all of them.”
Diaz also served on the board of Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos and assisted each year with the annual LULAC fundraiser.
“LULAC Council 654 brought awareness for the Hispanic community,” Cindy said. “The annual Cinco de Mayo celebration was, I believe, their biggest fundraising event for scholarships.”
As a city council member, Diaz worked to bring voting awareness to San Marcos and surrounding communities.
“I think Dad really enjoyed being a part of the San Marcos City Council,” Cindy said.
“I often found him studying the upcoming issues on the weekend prior to the Tuesday council meetings,” Cindy added.
As a community leader, Diaz often donated signage and sponsorship for many community events, including Sights & Sounds of Christmas and the Día de los Muertos parade.
“Dad donated many signs for the celebration and parade,” Cindy said. “My sister and I were always at the celebration, at the parade or in the parade.”
In addition to his dedication to his community, Diaz was also a devoted father.
“My sister and I are often recognized in town as ‘John Diaz’s daughters,” Cindy said.
His other daughter, Yolanda Muzquiz added, “Dad was a good family man and always supported my mom, sister and I. He worked hard for whatever we needed. Our parents said we could be anything we wanted to be as long as we worked hard for it.”
Though Diaz was active within San Marcos during his lifetime, Muzquiz said that they didn’t understand the full scope of his endeavors until after he was gone.
“It wasn’t until after his passing that we learned of various ways Dad gave quietly to his community, whether it was supporting small local businesses getting on their feet, giving of his time on various community committees, supporting local students and schools,” Muzquiz said. “Our family is honored to have dad selected at this year’s Día de los Muertos event.”
Since 2013, the Dia de los Muertos has honored a local civic leader almost every year. Past honorees have included: Ruben Ruiz Sr., Petra “Pat” Nicola, Augustin Lucio, Jr., Tomas Cuevas, Rick Hernandez, Ofelia Vasquez-Philo, and Irene K. Mendez. During 2020 and 2021, the lives lost from the COVID-19 Pandemic, as well as all friends and family were remembered and honored.
The 10th annual Día de los Muertos 5K Run/ Walk & Kids Fun Run will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28 at Hernandez Elementary School in San Marcos.
Registration is going on now at athleteguild. com/event/san-marcostx/ 2023-10th-annual-diade- los-muertos-5k-runwalk- kids-fun-run Proceeds benefit the Johnnie T. Rosales Memorial Scholarship nonprofit organization, which has provided scholarships to selected San Marcos High School seniors since 2010.
