Jesse A. Diaz, 91, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Jesse grew up on the Lower East Side of New York City as the eldest son of Avelino Diaz and Mary Lopez Diaz.  At a young age he learned the art of raising pigeons in his handmade rooftop coop.  He carried this hobby with him throughout his life, breeding and judging pigeons for over 75 years. He had many breeds of pigeons and his favorite was Old German Owls.

Jesse was a lifetime artist and took an interest in many fascinating hobbies. Besides breeding and showing pigeons, he also bred fancy tail guppies for show, enjoyed growing roses, hybridized day lilies, was a self-taught oil paint artist, grew beautifully huge amaryllis and dahlias and took up the art of oil pastels and colored pencils at the age of 90 learning through YouTube.

Devoted father of Donna Diaz Staigar, her husband Joseph, Michelle Diaz Forman, her husband William, Jesse M. Diaz and his wife Sonya.  Cherished grandfather of Jennifer, Paul, Lauren, Erik, Rachel, Paige and Jesse E.  Proud great-grandfather of Lillian, Joseph,  Emma, Ian and Mia.  Dear brother of Dolores, her husband Larry, and Connie.  Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jesse was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Theresa, and his loving granddaughter Amanda.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Monday from 4-6pm.  Funeral on Tuesday, assembling at the funeral home at 10:30am, followed by the entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover at 11:30am.