Blunt Rochester Statement on the Passing of Diaz Bonville

WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) released the following statement on the passing of Diaz Bonville, her former Kent/Sussex County Outreach Coordinator.

"I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Diaz Bonville - a man whose spirit was invigorated by a deep devotion to his community, family, and faith. Diaz was well-known and well-respected across our state throughout his decades of public service because he lived by the adage, 'To whom much is given, much is expected.'

"Diaz knew everybody, and everybody knew Diaz. It's one of the reasons why he was such a prolific community leader, advocate, and friend. If there was a problem, people knew they could count on him to do something about it. From his time with the Indian River School District and CHEER Inc. to serving as President of West Side New Beginnings Inc., co-founder of the West Rehoboth Children and Youth Program, and an active member of the Delaware Human and Civil Rights Commission, he always put the health, wellness, and education of Sussex County residents - especially young people - at the forefront. As the Kent/Sussex County Outreach Coordinator in my office - a position he held with pride - he showed up at local meetings, events, and celebrations, no matter how big or small. He ensured that the voices of downstate residents were heard and informed our work in Congress. I'll always be grateful for his invaluable insight because the issues we were tackling weren't just professional ones to him - they were personal.

"While his passing is an enormous loss, the example he set - to actively serve one's community while never losing sight of what's truly important - must be our guiding light going forward. I am sending my deepest sympathies and prayers to his beloved family, including his wife of 44 years, Linda, his three cherished daughters and grandchildren, and everyone who experienced the joy of knowing or working with Diaz. Rest well, my friend."

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