"I saw Austin nearly everyday as a regular customer at Quicklee?s. Once you broke the ice with him he always was warm and welcoming and we would shoot the breeze about everyday life or playing 8ball at Diamonds up the street. I did not know him well but I was absolutely gutted to hear the news of his passing, because he always struck me as a kind and good person. I hope his family can find some sort of peace in the coming days, he impacted a lot of people just by being himself. God bless you all. "
In loving memory of
Austin G. Diaz
April 18, 1996 - July 8, 2023
Greece: July 8, 2023. Austin is predeceased by his grandfather, Carmelo Cannizzo. He is survived by his parents, Mariella & George Diaz; twin brother, Alex Diaz; grandparents, Adalgisa Cannizzo, Jorge Diaz, & Annette (Tom) Mauer; aunts & uncles, Yamil (Hugo) Barona, Sandro (Jocelyn) Cannizzo, Pat (Jeff) Muchard, Gina (Brian) Ghysel; cousins, Romina (Jon) Lawrence, Julian (Margaret) Barona, Ryan (Zhe), Nick, Johnny Muchard, Riley Alger, Gabby, AJ, Fausto Cannizzo, Ava, & JT Lawrence. Vivian, Axel, Ethan, Everett Barona; many dear friends.
Austin's life story will be shared during his visitation at the funeral home, Sunday, July 16th, 1-4 PM, 1411 Vintage Lane, (between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). His funeral service will be celebrated, Monday, 10 AM at the funeral home. Burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Remembering Austin-
Austin George Diaz, son of George and Mariella Diaz was the firstborn of twins on April 18th, 1996, making him "Baby A" the big brother by two minutes! Affectionately known as "Asti Spumante," Austin was known for being a friendly and outgoing little boy who was very protective of his younger brother.
Throughout his years, he was seen by his family as a mischievous, and adventurous risk-taker who loved to try new things, problem-solve and open to compromise. When the boys were toddlers, Mariella was trying to wean them off of pacifiers. Austin had the idea to throw his in the toilet which younger brother Alex quickly followed suit. After promptly flushing the two pacifiers and only seeing one float back up, they quickly changed their minds, and Austin grabbed the plunger to try to retrieve it. Shortly thereafter Mom had to call Dad to buy a lock for the toilet since flushing and plunging became their new hobby.
Austin was an early black belt in Taekwondo who loved performing his break boarding skills for master Kim, an avid lacrosse player (attack position) who on many games was known for doing spectacular plays. He also enjoyed other sports such as soccer, baseball, rollerblading, and BMX biking. He also played the drums and viola for many years to expand his repertoire and please Mom and Dad. His drumming playing was skillful but his Viola playing was limited to Criss Cross Buns.
From a young age, Austin loved snowboarding with his Dad, brother, and friends. They would travel to Bristol Mountain, Whiteface, Gore, and Winter Park, and as far as Denver, Colorado for annual outdoor adventures. Austin was very skilled and talented, not only going down mountains but doing tricks on his snowboard. Mariella always chose to sip coffee by the fire in the lodge waiting for her boys to come and tell her stories of their adventures. In addition, Austin's favorite pastimes with friends included paintballing, Go Karting, video games, and kicking back with some cold ones.
A graduate of Greece Athena High School in 2014, Austin was an outstanding student in Social Studies, Science and enjoyed culinary arts. He enjoyed trying out new ingredients. His latest discovery was sesame oil! He got his love of cooking from Nonna Ada but Nonno Carmelo taught him playing cards (Escoba & Black Jack) Texas Hold'Em was his specialty. Austin played many rounds at Diamond Billiards with his dad, Uncle Sandro, Uncle Hugo, and brother. He had a lot of fun playing pool, darts and eating chicken wings and fries every Friday.
Austin had many more hobbies that he bonded with special people over. Tia was cooking Monday dinners. Watching movies and eating ribs with Romina, Jon, Ava, and JT. Action adventure and comedies were regularly on the playlist, however, horror movies were only acceptable after many drinks. He got his love of playing video games from his cousin Julian. He spent many, many hours playing PlayStation SOCOM, Nintendo 64 Super Smash Bros with Alex, Julian, and friends. Austin kept the tradition of passing down his love of video games to his younger cousins, AJ & Fausto. He enjoyed teaching his cousins Gran Turismo.
Austin and Mom had their own unique hobby. Every other month, Mariella and the boys would go for manicures and pedicures! At first, the boys were reluctant to go but once they got pampered, they looked forward to this special time. To compensate for being pampered, Austin would always follow his spa treatment with mountain biking with Dad.
In 2020, Austin began serving his community by working at the local Quicklees. He was always flexible and reliable and could be counted on to work every weekend and holiday to ensure that his coworkers could enjoy time with their families. He was generous with his schedule and would regularly help his team even if it meant making personal sacrifices. He formed many positive relationships with his coworkers and regular customers. He selflessly gave rides to friends who needed help and could always be counted on no matter what time of the day or night!
Austin developed some special friendships with his customers. It was not unusual for a customer to walk into the store and Austin would have their Lotto tix and preferred items on the counter ready for purchase. For some very special customers, he would even pre-order customer numbers ahead of their planned visit. Austin created and provided the Quicklees VIP treatment 100% of the time.
Family togetherness was an integral part of Austin's life. He always had time to spend with his family, whether it be dinners, hobbies or his love of talking about expensive cars. Travel was the way that the Diaz children learned about different people, places, history, food, and sharing good times with others. Austin's favorite travel destinations usually consisted of amusement parks, beaches, cruise ships or snowy mountains. Austin would do it ALL. Roller coasters, slot machines, shark-infested tube slides, ziplining, snorkeling, scuba diving, museums and zoos. He loved adventure and spending time with his family and friends.
Austin was a kind and nonjudgmental person who was loved by many and loved his family, close friends and customers. His legacy was to spend time with family, close friends, work hard and make sure his baby was brother was taken care of.
Austin was loved and will be missed by many.
Tributes
"Died at an young age, May god bless the soul and new life"
"So incredibly sorry for your loss. May every memory be a blessing. Prayers to the entire family. Michele Sadik"
"Deepest condolences and sympathy. Prayers and peace to you and your family."
"I knew Austin from Quicklee's, I saw him almost every night as I stopped in for beer, cigars, or energy drinks etc for the next morning. I would often go out of my way to talk to him for a couple minutes about everything from food, to drinks, and video games, to the point sometimes my family wondered why I took so long going to the gas station. Always told him to have a good night or take it easy, and if there were suspicious customers in the store I would hang out and chat with Austin until they left to make sure nobody would try to rob him. I was very. shocked to hear of his passing and saddened, I also knew his brother Alex, at first I didn't believe they were twins and thought they were the same guy, we had a good laugh about that. I will miss him and remember him fondly every time I go in there, wish I had the chance to get to know him outside of his job. All my best to his family and twin brother. "
"Austin was a kind and gentle soul. He judged no one and was sensitive of others. I will miss him and keep him always in my heart."
"I'm praying for you all and sending much strength and comfort to sustain you, both now and in the days ahead. With my very deepest and sincere sympathy, ?? Denise"
"Austin was and will always be in our hearts. When the boys were born, I was only about 9 years old. I wanted nothing but to be with my aunt and uncle at their house . Growing up with them was my entire life until I was 18 then I had my own daughter. He was in my daughters life, and then my sons .. and will never be forgotten. An amazing young man who was always willing to do anything for anyone. Always a phone or text call away. Regardless of how many hours he worked if you needed him he was there. My cousin Austin at all the family get togethers played with all the little cousins in the family and put up with them despite wanting to relax with the adults as he got older. From chasing them around the yard, to playing their games and making sure they were entertained while everyone else got to enjoy their time. Making an impact on their lives and leaving being memories they will forever cherish. If you ever needed anything, he was always there. Kind hearted and loving. Love you forever cousin. Romina Cousin "
"Austin was a caring and above all a loving nephew that will remain in our minds and hearts. Austin loved life and was always eager to share his time & engaged with family during our celebrations and holidays. He displayed a strong sensitivity toward others and treated everyone with equal respect, whether at work or around his younger nephews and nieces. A wonderful young man to be around, on his own personal journey, set to enjoy life while supporting his friends and family, alway with equal amounts of youthful will, independence, and dedication. Human and caring in every-way. Austin was always ready and present to take his grandma (Nonna) shopping whenever called upon and asking nothing more for his time than to enjoy and sip a tiny cup of espresso and maybe a pastry that his Nonna would practically force on him. Courteous to everyone and specially generous, Austin will be remembered with love. Sandro Cannizzo Uncle"
"Austin will be remembered as a kind soul who enjoyed helping others. I have many fond memories of him growing from a child to a young man alongside my own family. He was an accomplished Tae Kwon Do athlete and backyard zip-liner. We will all miss him. Deepest condolences. "
"Our sincere condolences. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. "