Joe Diaz passed away last night...

Kobachi

Kobachi

Scarred but Smarter
...I heard tonight, he passed away yesterday evening. Services haven't been announced as of yet. If I find out I'll post it here, otherwise anyone can call Chris's Billiards (773-286-4714), probably know more by tomorrow.

A legendary billiard player, always gracious with his knowledge, he will be missed by many.


A couple of pics I found here, far right below, and middle on right:
 

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This is sad news indeed. Joe was a great guy to be around. When I was a youngster playing in my 1st few tournaments (early 70s), Joe always treated me with respect and friendship whenever we met. He will be missed.

Dave
 
Joe Diaz

Wow really sad to hear the news. I met Joe Diaz in Oak Park and saw him play. The pic of Ameen and Conlon I believe was taken at Cushion and Cue in Oak Park.The group pic besides Joe Diaz looks like Bob Strange,Donnelly,Ashby etc
 
Very sad news. I was just thinking of Joe the other day. A gentleman in every respect. I believe he was given the title of Ambassador of Good Will a few years back. If this is not true it should be.

Another Icon gone from our wonderful game.

Will be remembered forever.
 
When I started playing caroms in the early 70's mi tio, Jose Diaz, was one of the first of the "old timers" to take me under his wing and show me some things, most of the others just ignored me. He was a true gentleman, always playing with a smile on his face. I have nothing but fond memories of Joe.
 
Joe was a really great guy with a heart as big as all outdoors. He was always friendly and generous with his knowledge around ALL players. Many years ago he showed me a lot of tricks using reverse english combined with different grip techniques ... possessing and applying that knowledge made me feel as if I had won the lottery!

Rest in peace, mi amigo.
 
Joe Diaz

A vision is instilled in my mind of Mr Diaz saying gently but sternly
"DO NOT HIT A BALL HARD IN MY PRESENSE!"
I have passed this thought on to many ball-bangers,honoring his name.
The carombole world has an abundance of intelligent and generous souls.
Joe Diaz was one of the finest.
May he rest in peace
 
Rocky247 said:
Wow really sad to hear the news. I met Joe Diaz in Oak Park and saw him play. The pic of Ameen and Conlon I believe was taken at Cushion and Cue in Oak Park.The group pic besides Joe Diaz looks like Bob Strange,Donnelly,Ashby etc
Click to expand...

Rocky,

We may have played together at Cushion & Cue in Oak Park. I PMed you a while ago with no responce but you may not know how to look for them. Please let me know if you are the Rocky from that room.

Dave Gross
 
By the way

I think you are thinking of Rocky Horowitz who also is alive and still plays alittle at snookers in livonia.
 
Very sad news. Joe was a true GENTLE-MAN, who would always have time for anyone in the poolroom. I feel honored to be able to say I knew him.

He was one of few players who could captivate an uneducated 3-cushion audience, while he so beautifully spun balls around the table. The final hit, wasn't a hit at all it was more like a kiss!!!

He may have never realized how much he taught others with out even speaking a word to them!!

You will be missed Joe!

Mike
 
I've had a little time to think of a few of my fondest memories of Joe

First his BOOMING laugh, could be heard across a crowded hall with 9 ball racks smashing.

How he would practice what seemed like the most simple shot for an hour, until he perfected it...and to echo what another posted said, he would use just enough speed, his roll almost seemed like he was sneeking up on his point.

And how he would call me kid when I was 16, and would call me kid, when I was 35.

Once, for an entire year, he called me Mike (my name is Kevin). I was about 17 then, and admired him too much to correct him. (He eventually heard someone call me Kevin, and put his arm around me and said, "You look like a Mike".

I last saw Joe about 2 months ago, walking into Chris's, his brother dropped him off in front, and I helped him up those steepest set of stairs, probably took 5 minutes. He looked so fragile, but when he got to the table, it was all Diaz as I had always remembered him.

Rest in Peace Joe
 
Kobachi said:
I've had a little time to think of a few of my fondest memories of Joe

First his BOOMING laugh, could be heard across a crowded hall with 9 ball racks smashing.

How he would practice what seemed like the most simple shot for an hour, until he perfected it...and to echo what another posted said, he would use just enough speed, his roll almost seemed like he was sneeking up on his point.

And how he would call me kid when I was 16, and would call me kid, when I was 35.

Once, for an entire year, he called me Mike (my name is Kevin). I was about 17 then, and admired him too much to correct him. (He eventually heard someone call me Kevin, and put his arm around me and said, "You look like a Mike".

I last saw Joe about 2 months ago, walking into Chris's, his brother dropped him off in front, and I helped him up those steepest set of stairs, probably took 5 minutes. He looked so fragile, but when he got to the table, it was all Diaz as I had always remembered him.

Rest in Peace Joe
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if I ever met Joe Diaz, but your memories of him were eloquently said and I think he's smiling right now. We never know what kind of impact we might leave as an individual, but Joe seemed to have touched a lot of people. The group picture you posted seems to have a lot of familiar faces. I recognize Louie Campos, Dick ??? I can't remember his last name but he could do some amazing card tricks and it looks like Tony Amendola in the front row. Tony helped me with my 3 cushion game when it caught my interest. Thanks for sharing your fond memories. Phil Welch
 
Rocky247 said:
I think you are thinking of Rocky Horowitz who also is alive and still plays alittle at snookers in livonia.
Click to expand...

Maybe, lefty -distinguished salt & pepper hair? I'm so confused.

Sorry to hijack this thread, Joe will be missed as mentioned earlier. And that means you to, Mike :wink: (I mean Kevin). I have not seen Joe for so many years now, but I feel like we talked often. He was that kniod of guy.

Dave
 
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