Lawrence "Larry" Diaz
Born April 11, 1928. Transitioned to eternal life on March 4, 2023. Born in Santa Barbara, California to Lawrence Diaz of Texas and Julia (Ramirez) Diaz of Monterery, Mexico.
Larry, the oldest male amongst six siblings, was a happy, mischievous boy who grew up in the shadow of the depression. Larry started working at a young age washing, grooming and cleaning the stables of the nearby ranchers' horses. When the United States became involved in World War II, he lied about his age and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at only seventeen. During his time serving his country, Larry enjoyed representing the Navy in several different sports, including football, swimming, and boxing. Eventually, Joe Lewis’ sparring partner became his boxing trainer. Larry hung up his boxing gloves when he was honorably discharged in 1947 at the rank of Seaman First Class. He; then proceeded to serve in the Naval Reserve for another four years.
In October, 1950, Larry married Evangelina “Eva” Leon. They made a home in Santa Barbara where their first child, Linda was born.
Eventually, with Eva’s support and encouragement, Larry made the decision to become a barber. For nine long months, he attended the closest barber college in Los Angeles, returning every weekend to be with his family. After attaining his barber license, the small family moved to Ventura where he found a job at the BonTon barbershop. Soon the family welcomed a second child, Marty.
A few years later, Larry was able to open his own business, Larry’s Barbershop, located on Telegraph Road in Ventura. He built his business and became a local pioneer in “hair styling”. In 1978 he competed in the World hairstyling competition held in New York City. Over the years, he taught barbering and advanced styling skills and was a mentor to several barbers and stylists in Ventura County. He was very proud that both of his children later joined him in his trade.
Larry was also very involved in community service, and was an active member of philanthropic organizations including the Lyon’s Club and the International Order of Freemasonry. He proudly served as President of the local Shriner’s chapter. Larry’s barbering career thrived for 50 years. His loyal clientele included decades-long customers and multiple generations of families who visited him until his retirement at 80 years of age.
Larry and Eva enjoyed traveling in their retirement years to such varied destinations as; Hawaii, the Cayman Islands, Europe, and Russia. But they especially enjoyed spending time in their Ventura home with their precious grandsons, Ryan and Kevin Callahan.
In the last few years of their marriage, Larry and Eva moved to Camarillo, residing as Atria Senior Living.
Larry was preceded in transition to eternal life by his beloved wife of 72 years, Evangelina “Eva” (Leon) Diaz.
They will rest together, side by side at Bardsdale Cemetery, Fillmore.
Larry is survived by his daughter Linda (Diaz) Callahan, his son-in-law Terry Callahan, his son Martin “Marty” Diaz, his daughter-in-law Sonya (Bolus), and his grandsons, Ryan Callahan and Kevin Callahan.
Our family especially like to thank Full Care Hospice and his Nurse- Tess, Advanced Home Care and their caregivers (Danny and Josie, Bernard and Cora) and Atria Las Posas directors and staff including (Ana, Eiko, Lupe & Roxanna).
Special Thanks to Micheal Boyko of Boyko & Reardon Telegraph Road Mortuary, Fr. Dan O'Sullivan and the parish community of Sacred Heart Church of Saticoy.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation to be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 10am in Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 10800 Henderson Road, Ventura, where a Most Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:30 am in Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be then celebrated at 11:00 am in Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Ventura. A reception will follow in Biedermann Hall . In lieu of flowers please donate to Shriner’s Hospital or your preferred charity.