Trackworker Juan Diaz, 41, Dies of the Virus

Local 100’s Track Division has suffered another terrible loss to the Coronavirus.  Trackworker Juan Diaz, just 42 years old with a wife and two young children, died of virus on April 3, 2020.

His heartbroken brother, Kevin, a Bus Operator at Queens Village Depot, said that Juan “made the ultimate sacrifice for this job.  He loved the job, and respected the job and his co-workers.”

“He was all about his family.” said Kevin  “He has a 4-year old and a baby.  He didn’t even make it to the baby’s first birthday.  We’re all devastated.”

Brother Diaz was a graduate of Brentwood High School and worked for Chase Bank for many years before joining NYCT in 2016 and the Track Department in 2018. Kevin said that his brother “played sports in high school.  He loved the Knicks, Yankees and Giants.  He was the kind of guy everyone would love to have a beer with, and now he’s gone.”

Track Vice Chair Nick Danza said that Brother Diaz was “a really nice guy, a gentleman, a quiet young man, everyone liked him.  I remember he had a child last year and I helped with the process of getting his paid paternity leave.  This is terrible.” Track Chair Carlos Albert said, “this is another crushing blow to Track.  We’re all praying for his family.”

Vice President John Chiarello agreed, saying: “All of Maintenance of Way feels this loss.  We’re going to do everything we can to help his family.” President Tony Utano said, “we’re never going to stop fighting for the families of our Brothers and Sisters lost to this horrifying disease.  Please remember Brother Diaz’ beautiful family in your thoughts and prayers.”