Obituaries Tony Diaz

Aug. 26, 1955—March 14, 2023 after running out of money, he was determined to live there, befriending strangers (especially the ladies), finding work and learning the language. week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to tamara@pioneerpublishers.com. Letters must be submitted via E-mail.

Tony Diaz, 67, of Concord passed away March 14, 2023.

Tony was born in San Francisco on Aug. 26, 1955, to Blanca, who had emigrated from El Salvador, and Carlos, who had emigrated from Mexico.

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As soon as he could read, he went off to Catholic school, immersing himself into all things a good Catholic boy would do: serving the church and playing sports for his school. He was an altar boy and played the holy trinity of American sports – football, basketball and baseball – while he attended St. Mary’s College High School in Berkeley. Deciding to challenge himself, he went on to pursue higher education and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco and an MBA from Notre Dame.

Those who knew him discovered his strong will and his appetite for adventure. One prime example was leaving the United States for Japan with only $200 to his name. Even

Upon returning to the United States, he met Martha Flores, the future mother of his children and his partnerin-crime for 33 years. They married April 28, 1990, and had three children in rapid succession, Toni, Isabella and Cesar.

Like any true Californian, he had an insatiable love for the Beach Boys and beach party films, along with pride for his beautiful home state. And like many Bay Area natives, he launched his lifelong career in technology inspired by Silicon Valley. This influenced his love for getting his hands on the latest and greatest in technology. Whether it was an upgraded stereo system, moving away from dial-up in the ’90s or automating home life, he wanted his family to have it all.

He loved concerts, dancing, live music and any excuse to party. And those who knew him know he wanted you to celebrate in his name. And to that, he would have said, “Salud! Cheers! Kanpai!”

Tony is survived by his mother, his wife and his three children.

For more details regarding his celebration of life, visit https://everloved.com/lifeof/antonio-diaz.

Heather Gorgene Sobtaka

March 12, 1941—March 9, 2023

Lifelong Concord resident Heather Georgene Sobotka (Hooper) passed away peacefully on March 9, 2023.

She was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on March 12, 1941. When she was 10, her family moved to Concord, where she graduated from Mt. Diablo High School in 1959.

It was at Mt. Diablo High where she met the love of her life, William Sobotka, whom she married in 1960. They spent more than 62 years together, raising two daughters, enjoying five grandchildren and spending time with their friends.

Heather was talented with