Hector Diaz Sr. had an easy authority about him. When you talk about decency, a quiet leader, he’s at the top of the list of distinguished city officials. Hector served as town clerk from 1983 to 2007 (when he retired) with a break from 1989-91. He passed away over the weekend in Florida.
Hector and his wife Vicki were stalwarts of East Side politics. They knew their turf, and they were respected, even among politicians who didn’t always agree with them. Hector was elected town clerk in 1983 during a historic municipal election that produced a 70 percent turnout. Yes, that’s not a typo … 70 percent. That year Republican Mayor Lenny Paoletta sought reelection for another two-year term, challenged by Democrat Charlie Tisdale, the first African American to be nominated by a major party in the city. Hector ran on his line as town clerk.
Adding zest to the political arena, John Mandanici, a Democrat whom Paoletta defeated in 1981 by 64 votes for the mayoralty, ran a credible independent mayoral candidacy on the Taxpayers Party line. Paoletta was reelected with Tisdale finishing a close second.
Hector Diaz was proud of his Puerto Rican heritage as well as modernizing the Town Clerk’s Office with the coming of the computer age. He was always open and accessible to city reporters and a reliable presence for an elected position technically a part-time city function. He had a way of staying above the partisan fray during an era when city Republicans were a relevant force in city politics. Back then, like now, absentee ballots played a major part of city elections. The Town Clerk’s Office holds the statutory responsibility to process them. He prided himself in making sure the ballots were processed in a timely manner even when his staff was overloaded with requests courtesy of various political organizations.
Once I asked him, how do we know when absentee ballots don’t unfairly alter an election? Historically, he said, absentee ballots generally reflect the results of the machines. If not, he added, then you know something else is in play.
His son Hector served the city in the State House and is still active in politics as a candidate for town committee in the 130th District in next Tuesday’s Democratic Town Committee primaries.
Services, according to Diaz Jr.: “The Funeral is set for Tuesday March 4th, 5 to 9pm Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Fla. 33607. The next day the body will be flown to Puerto Rico for a viewing and burial.”
Statement from Mayor Bill Finch:
“Hector Diaz was a gentleman and a leader who admirably served the people of Bridgeport for more than two decades. Hector will be remembered for his passion and integrity. I send my heartfelt condolences to the Diaz family during this difficult time.”
Statement from Town Clerk Alma Maya:
“I treated Vickie and Hector as elders in my community (that’s what my Mom and Dad taught me). They were leaders and opened doors for all of us, in their own way. They each left their “granito de arena” here in BPT for our community. I feel for Hector JR. It’s tough losing a parent.”
I had the opportunity to work with Hector Diaz as the head moderator for many rough-and-tumble elections (and recounts) during the ’80s and ’90s. He was always a consummate professional who did his job and followed the law regardless of his own preferences and any pressures that were brought to bear on him. I am truly saddened to learn of his passing.
About two-three months after taking office as Town Clerk, Hector called Democratic Chairman John Guman to ask what he could do to help him modernize his office. Recording land titles was pushing north of a year. Guman quietly set up a meeting with Republican Mayor Len Paoletta. It was agreed to quietly do a study to fix the problem. The office was computerized. Rs and Ds weren’t supposed to be getting along. Especially those Hickory Street neighbors Guman and Paoletta. No one seemed particularly anxious to take a lot of credit other than both sides saying it needed to be done. I always thought Hector made that possible. He seemed to be the sane–nonpolitical–guy wandering through a City Hall of sometimes crazy people. It was OK for Hector to do a good job. Everyone got credit. People felt good they were contributing. A rare quality back then, and I guess at a lot of times. A good man.
*** I am saddened by the news of Mr. H. Diaz’s passing this weekend. A kinder, gentler man than Mr. Diaz I have yet to meet. I know his health was not well and one of the reasons he decided to not run again for Town Clerk and instead retire. He seemed to me to love doing the job in helping people who came to the office and also being involved in CT politics in general. Regardless of the political winning party or new Mayor in Bpt, Mr. Diaz had a way of always getting along with people and doing a great job in the town clerk’s office along with his great staff to boot! He’s been missed since he retired and moved to P.R. and now even more than ever to those who knew, loved and respected the man. My condolences to the entire Diaz family and friends and may Mr. Hector Diaz Sr. rest in peace! *** A PIONEER IN BPT POLITICS FOR THE ENTIRE HISPANIC COMMUNITY ***
Vicki and Hector Diaz moved to Florida, not Puerto Rico. I always said one didn’t know the Diaz family if they never met Hector Jr., his mother Vicki and his uncle Tony Diaz. Hector Diaz Sr. was a gentle giant and was one of the first Hispanics I learned about when I started to have an interest in Bridgeport politics.
Most sincere condolences to the entire Diaz family. May his memory be forever a blessing to all who knew and respected Mr. Hector Diaz Sr.
Hector was one of the Good Guys in Bridgeport politics. I had the privilege of running with him in 1983 and again in 1987. As others have said, Hector was a quiet and very decent man. He was also a very astute politician and an excellent Town Clerk.
My sincerest sympathies go out to all of Mr. Hector Diaz’s family and friends. RIP Hector.
John Soltis
A fine man and always a gentleman. Condolences to Vicky, Hector and family.
Thank you for the kind words. I will keep everyone posted as to arrangements. We are having him buried where he asked in Puerto Rico. For those of you who have been asking, my mother’s address is
2815 West Woodlawn Ave
Tampa, FL 33607
She kept her Bridgeport Cell (203)383-9524
Again, thank you everyone, your thoughts and prayers are truly appreciated at this hardest of times.
I was elected in 1983 and spent all of my years on the City Council having the honor to work with the best Town Clerk the City of Bridgeport will ever see again. We loved him, Vicki, and Hector Jr. From all of us from “the day” we send our love, will shed our tears, and never forget Hector.
The Funeral is set for Tuesday March 4th, 5 to 9 pm
Gonzalez Funeral Home
7209 Dale Mabry Hwy,
Tampa, FL 33607
The next day the body will be flown to Puerto Rico for a viewing and burial, I will post that information when I receive it.
*** Hector Jr. *** Maybe you might like to print all these nice comments about your dad and place them on a bulletin board at the Funeral Home! I’m sure the attending family members and guests, either not or from Bpt would be quite pleased with all the love and nice respectful comments made about your wonderful dad. Especially since many of his friends unfortunately may not be able to make it to Florida for the funeral to pay their respects. Once again, my condolences to you and yours from me and my family! ***