Oscar Diaz Meza

Oscar Diaz “Abuelo”, 80, of West Orange, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Devoted father of Sonia, Mariaelena, Rocio, Cesar, Janet, Roxanna, Candy, Jose, Christian and Mateo.  Cherished grandfather of Jennifer, Heather, Oscar, Christopher, Ashley, Caterina, Jamie, Elizabeth, Victor, Sharon, Stephany, Josephine, Chelsea, Dayana, Yadia y Guianella and many loving grandchildren.  Also survived by many brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Abuelo was born in Huanuko, Peru, and was one of nine siblings. In his younger years, he was an avid soccer player, a passion that brought him much joy and a sense of camaraderie. He dedicated much of his life to hard work, starting as a miner in Peru before working for the Parks and Recreation Department. He served in the military and later worked as a bus driver.

In West Orange, New Jersey, Abuelo worked alongside his son-in-law Antonio Vilcachagua in the construction industry, and he became a well-known crossing guard in the community of West Orange, New Jersey, always with a friendly smile and a wave.

A man of great energy and talent, Abuelo enjoyed working with his family on landscaping projects at the homes of his son Cesar, daughter Rocio, and granddaughter Jennifer. He was especially passionate about gardening and landscaping, and his hard work and love for creating beautiful outdoor spaces left a lasting impression. He also enjoyed fishing with his son-in-law Antonio and watching soccer games, especially those of his beloved home team, Club Sporting Cristal, alongside his son Cesar and grandson Oscar.

Abuelo cherished the simple joys of life, including his morning coffee with his daughter Rocio before heading out to work, where he and she would cross the children of West Orange. He was a vital part of his family’s traditions, especially during the holidays when he was responsible for hanging the Christmas lights. (Yes! He would climb the roof every year!) His agility and enthusiasm for life were an inspiration to all who knew him. Thanksgiving and Christmas were especially meaningful to him as he was surrounded by his immediate grandchildren—Jennifer, Heather, Oscar, Christopher, and Ashley. These family gatherings were the highlight of his year, and he treasured every moment spent with his loved ones. He also enjoyed traveling back to Peru to spend time with his family and friends, relishing those visits as precious moments of reconnection with his roots.

Abuelo had a deep love for old western novels and films, often spending time watching and reading them. This pastime brought him great joy and an opportunity to immerse himself in the stories and characters of the Wild West.

Abuelo lived with his daughter and four grandchildren, and his presence was always full of warmth and joy. He was the life of every gathering, always ready to share a laugh and a story. He was known for his unique outlook on life, often saying, "You can't just have one beer; you are never truly living if you don't have a beer in hand. Leave your worries for tomorrow and live each day as if it’s your last."

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Friday, March 14th from 11am-1pm, including a prayer service at the funeral home at 11:30am.  The interment will then be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in E. Hanover at 1:30pm.

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