Honoring a Legacy of Service
The Jon Diaz Community Center honors the memory of Jonathan Diaz, born May 11, 1990, in Sunnyside, Washington, to a loving family steeped in Hispanic culture. The importance of family and education was instilled early in his life, framing how he lived and the choices he made.
Jon attended Onondaga Central High School and the State University of New York at Brockport, where he enjoyed playing lacrosse, football, and basketball. Beyond athletics, he loved caring for animals—often rescuing cats and housing them until rehabilitated, always finding them loving homes rather than returning them to the streets.
After college, Jon dedicated his career to service: working in group homes assisting people with special needs, teaching life and coping skills, and helping clients find employment. He also worked as a substitute teacher in the Syracuse City School District, utilizing his skills to reach at-risk children. His enthusiasm and commitment was deeply appreciated by students and staff alike.
Jon's commitment to community safety was exemplified by his desire to become a police officer. Five days before his tragic death in 2016, he took and passed the police exam in Syracuse. Jon's life was true to his values of family, education, and love for all of God's creations.
