Rafael Diaz

Rafael Diaz, 85, a longtime New Britain resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Inez Diaz Viera and Juana Flores DeLeon. Rafael was formerly employed at Emhart and Corbin Russwin before retiring. He was a member of St. Mary Church and the Puerto Rican Society. Rafael was a NY Yankees fan and enjoyed playing dominoes, fishing and gardening.

Surviving are two children, Jose Diaz and Ana Iris Diaz; five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 11 AM at St. Mary Church. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery. A calling hour will be Wednesday morning from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 South Main St., New Britain.