Salvador M. Diaz

Salvador M “Ditters” Diaz 68, a lifelong Lordsburg resident passed away Wednesday April 14,2021 at Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces.

Visitation will be at 5:00 p.m., Thursday April 22 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where a rosary will begin at 6:00 with Carlos Bejarano leading.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday April 23rd at 10 a.m. with Fr. Jude Okonkwo, Pastor officiating. Concluding services and interment will be at Shakespeare Cemetery.

Ditters was born November 15, 1952 in Lordsburg to Salvador M. and Clara (Medina) Diaz. He graduated from Lordsburg High School in 1971 and was employed 43 years at Phelps Dodge/Freeport until his retirement. During that period, he also began his service to the community, which was his passion. Ditters became a junior high and high school referee and officiated over 20 years. He was active in Little League coaching and being an umpire for many years as well. He was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and was successful at restarting the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight. There was not a bazar, food sale or fellowship that occurred without spotting Ditters volunteering. He was a volunteer with the selective service in Hidalgo county and served as mayor of Lordsburg from 1990-1994. Ditters was the first Hispanic mayor to serve. 

In his later years Ditters was known as “Popo” to not only his grandkids, but most high school kids at LHS. He was a loyal Maverick fan and ran volleyball, basketball, and track concession stands for years.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary Jean Diaz of Lordsburg, his mom Clara Diaz of Lordsburg; sons Scott Saucedo (Martin), DJ Saucedo (Jamie), and Albert Diaz (Andrea); daughter Jennifer Allen (Josh) brother George, Jose (Corrine) and Victor Diaz (Irma) and half-brother Johnny Paul Diaz, sister Rita Diaz and 6 grandchildren who he adored! (Aitiana, Raymond, Ashley, Vivian, Felipe, and Tristan). He was preceded in death by his father and brother Charlie Diaz.

Pallbearers will be Scott Saucedo, DJ Saucedo, Albert Diaz, Raymond Saucedo, Victor Diaz, Joe Diaz, Teddy Medina, and Jessie Martinez.

Honorary pallbearers are Felipe Allen, Porkey Martinez, Tristan Allen, Josh Allen, Martin Romero, and Jacob Ornelas.

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