The life and work of journalist and teacher David Diaz was celebrated on Thursday, which was on the eve of his 83rd birthday.
Diaz died in March,
Friends and colleagues went out to remember David, who helped tell the story of New York in this century since the 1970s.
His legacy was in front and center in the Rivaraside Church in the Morningside Heights, where he was remembered as a true New Yorker who never lost touch with the soul of the city.
Former news executive Joe Kosia, Senior said, “Not only he was a reporter of a reporter, he was a human being.”
Kosia remembered David’s professionalism and humanity during the 9/11 nightmare.
“He was such a guru”
Sindi Hasu joined CBS News New York in 1993, such as Diaz came to NBC after many years.
“My 20s, and he was such a patron. So the professional, such a gentleman. No matter how quickly and stressed things were, he always used to take time,” Hasu said.
Former reporter Mary Murphy said, “I always praised David, who was a little intimidated by him, but he was smart, and after leaving local news, he taught him. He was teaching reporters from the next generation New York City.”
“David was of one kind”
Diaz believed in the power of journalism to inspire Asha and inform democracy. New Yorkers saw him as someone who shared his struggles and values.
“He was living such a life – the roller coaster up and down – and the same real people experience,” Hasu said.
“That smile. That love. David was of one kind,” Kosia said.
Diaz is alive by his daughters, Nina and Elena, who both enjoyed the prestigious broadcast career and his beloved wife, Andrea.
He was a glorious native of Puerto Rico, and was a trailblazer in the New York Media for Latino.
“I was well known in this city. Very good reputation that I made over time. I am very proud of what I did,” Diaz said earlier.
