Beloved instrumental and vocal instructor Diony Diaz of New York succumbed to coronavirus on April 2, 2020.

We are sad to report that the coronavirus has claimed the life of yet another beloved educator. Music educator Diony Diaz from New York City succumbed to the disease on April 2, 2020. He was only 33 years old.

Diony taught instrumental and vocal music at Intermediate School 61 in Queens. His career there spanned eight years. Even though his career was short, he made a big impact on his students. “He was a great man, a great teacher and, more important, a great friend,” recalled one of his students. “This really hurts,” another student said. “He was more than a teacher. He was someone that was very relatable and who taught us some life lessons.”

Colleague Lucy Scully, who teaches Drama at the same school where Diony taught, remembers the fallen educator fondly. “When Diony first started teaching,” she said, “he jumped right in and started an after-school strings program that included guitar and violin,” she said. “He was a mentor to his students and always made time to support them emotionally, socially and academically. His door was always open, even after school,” she continued.

In addition to his classroom responsibilities, Diony played piano in his church for 14 years. He also played in a band while a student. He was a resident of Staten Island.

To read more about Diony, follow this link to the memorial page devoted to him created by the NYSUT (New York State Union of Teachers).