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Juan Alberto Diaz, 86, died in his home from melanoma on Feb. 19 in Guilford. He was born in Honda, Colombia on Nov. 19, 1934, the son of Julio Alberto Diaz and Beatriz Amaya.

Juan taught high school before moving to the U.S. in 1975 to pursue master’s degrees in education from New York University and social work from University of Connecticut. He served the Hispanic community in Connecticut as a clinical social worker until his retirement in 2018.

Juan is survived by his wife of 40 years, Esperanza. He will be remembered for his caring nature, his joy for sharing travel and culture with others, his subtle humor, and his inexhaustible ability to make others feel listened to.

Surviving in addition to his wife are sons, David of Guilford and Andres of Taos, New Mexico. Juan is one of eight siblings. He is predeceased by his brother Jaime and survived by siblings Teresita, Fernando, Consuelo, Alejandro, Sylvia, and Eduardo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at St. George Parish in Guilford. Gifts may be made in Juan’s name to the Smilow Cancer Center, Melanoma Program, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-9979.

Arrangements are in the care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford.