Roy Diez, 83, of Huntley, passed away June 16, 2024.
He is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnn of 60 years, loving father of daughter, Christine (Steve) Cavanaugh, and son, Jeff (Jill) Diez, grandchildren, Meagan and Sean Cavanaugh, Eden, Emma, and Ava Diez and loving sister, Carol Lewis.
Roy worked hard to make the Villa neighborhood into a historical landmark, in the 1970’s. He was a journalist, was the respected editor of Professional Builder Magazine for decades.
He was active in the Gaffers social club and Key Club. He was a member of the Rovers of Sun City and enjoyed his time in the RV. He was an avid reader, had a great sense of humor and also enjoyed Diet Coke. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 from 4-7pm with a service at 7:00pm all at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
Quite the guy! One in a million! Always a joke, laugh, and did not let life pass him by “Unnoticed!” Pictures with U.S. Presidents in The White House Seen quite a bit of this World 🌍 Adored by wife and family A great friend, a great Brother-in-law and Uncle Said your prayers and GOD is definitely with you now! You will be missed…you are missed… But time to RIPP!!! ( Rest In Pain-Free Peace)… My dearest brother-in-law! Love ❤️ Barb (as you always called me).
No one could have asked for a better Uncle. He was smart, funny, and had a huge heart! We had the best times! He was a devout Catholic and his mission in life was to give it his all. Uncle Roy always tried to be the perfect host. He had many accomplishments and was very versatile. I had always especially enjoyed spending the Holidays with my Aunt JoAnn and Uncle Roy. It was the Best Time! I will never forget he and my dad, Otto, doing an improv of Laurel and Hardy. We practically fell off of our chairs laughing. I'm sure they are reminiscing that together now in Heaven. Uncle Roy was definitely a force of nature in the best way possible. I and my family will miss him terribly. My husband, James, said to me the other day that I could probably tell him a list of so many things I thought of about him, but what did I think he thought of about me. I said I could not answer that. James said, he remembers how Uncle Roy looked at me at our Wedding. He said he looked at me as if I were one of his daughters. I smiled and said, "Well, after my own Dad, he was the next best thing". We even named our son Demetri's middle name after both my Dad and Uncle Roy. Toyal. Otto and Royal. That's how much he influenced our lives and meant to us. He will be missed more than words can say. All our Love.
Roy’s memory lives on in our hearts and the stories we share of a special place we call “The Villa”. Most heartfelt condolences from the Morris Family.
Roy provided our lives with so much to be thankful for. We will always be grateful will remember him and his family in our prayers. ❤️😪
A one of a kind Grandpa. He instilled in me a deep appreciation of the art of writing and storytelling. He valued humor, loyalty, and family above all else. As long as he was surrounded by family, Grandpa was content. The holidays simply won't be the same without him. I will love and miss him forever.
Fathers Day in Heaven Do they have fathers day in heaven, I hope that this is true. For there are many things I want to say to you. I love you and I miss you. For days like this I'm sad. For you were one of a kind. The best father I could have had. You were always there for me. Even when I got things wrong. You taught me to be proud. You taught me to be strong. I may not be able to send a card, to heaven up above. But I send you hugs and kisses. Together with all my love. Happy Father's day in heaven. I just wanted you to know you are always in my thoughts and how much I love you so. With much Love, your Daughter xoxox
Roy was filled with LIFE! He spread happiest among everyone that he met! Always has something funny to say and made everyone laugh. Roy has touched many people and will be missed by all! I pray that the pain that is felt in your heart will be lifted knowing that Roy is an angel in heaven bringing love and laughter to the angels. Hold onto the memories and Roy will be alive in your heart forever! Sending hugs to the entire family!
One of the kindest and funny people in the neighborhood. Roy will be missed. Our condolences to JoAnn and his family.
Roy was a great friend and a fantastic business partner. He was a brilliant writer, editor, project planner and creator. He enhanced everything. He was the most dependable fellow that God ever put on earth. All of this happened because he was creative, determined and focused. More importantly, he had a rock-solid family base. That love for and from his wonderful family was his support. In local meetings or when frequently traveling to home-builder shows and expositions, associations, conventions and meetings, everyone was truly impressed with his publications, presentations and recommendations. In most of these meetings, he used his shorthand and within an hour he typed and printed notes for distribution to those attending the meeting so they could follow through with ease. They were astounded and knew he was unusually thoughtful and indeed very special. Most of all, I will remember Roy as an extremely caring and concerned fellow who brought so much happiness to me and so many, many others. I shall miss him greatly.
We were sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. Our condolences go out to JoAnn, families and friends. We didn’t know Roy very well but we enjoyed hearing stories about his travels as a journalist. May his memory be a blessing.