Neftali “Tito” E. Diaz, 78 of Clear Brook, VA, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, of Covid at Winchester Medical Center with his family by his side.

Tito was born in Luquillo, Puerto Rico on December 22, 1945, to Neftali Diaz Castro and Susana Gracia. He was of the Catholic faith. After attending Fairfax High School, Tito joined the United States Army. He was first stationed in Hawaii and then volunteered to serve in the Vietnam War. His tour of duty home was Camp Halloway in Pleiku, where he was a gunner for 119 Assault Helicopter Company A Wolfhounds, 25th Infantry Division. His rank was Private First Class.

Tito always wanted to be a pilot and work in the field of aviation. Using his GI Bill, he got his pilot and flight instructors licenses. He opened, owned, and operated his own flight school in Puerto Rico. He had the opportunity to be in another field of aviation when he was hired by the FAA. After graduating from the academy in Oklahoma, he became an Air Traffic Controller at Andrews Air Force Base. He returned to the academy for his training as an Air Traffic Control Specialist working in Martinsburg, WV and Leesburg, VA. After a 30+ year career with the FAA, he retired in 2006 as a Network/Systems Administrator.

Tito continued his love of aviation by building, with his sons and flying remote control planes on his property. Tito’s biggest joy was his family. One of his favorite ways to relax was watching the blessings of nature (deer, birds, rabbits, wild turkeys) in his back yard. Tito’s other interests included photography, computers, and watching Jeopardy.

Besides his parents, Tito was preceded in death by his sister, Jose Fina Cantrell and brother, Victor Gallardo.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Kendra B. Diaz and sons, Sean C. Diaz, and Donovan C. Diaz. He is also survived by daughters, Rosemarie, Natalie, and Miriam from an earlier marriage and several nieces and nephews.

Tito’s family would like to thank his longtime physician, Dr. Edward Smith, and his ICU nurses at Winchester Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you to make a donation in memory of Tito to a charity of your choice, The Veterans Assistance Program or your local VFW. Most of all hug a family member, be kind and respectful of others.

The family will be having a visitation and celebration of Tito’s life at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel Reception Center on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 10:30am to 12:30pm.