Carmelo Diaz Ovalle

Carmelo Diaz Ovalle, age 73, was called to his eternal rest by our loving and merciful God. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and loved ones, enveloped in abundant prayer and God’s mercy on September 10, 2023 in Ypsilanti, MI. Carmelo was born on July 16, 1950 in Oaxaca, Mexico. He was 1 of 7 children born to Ruben Diaz Andrade and Maria de Jesus Ovalle Victor.

Carmelo was preceded in death by his parents Ruben and María De Jesús, his son José Luis (9-5-22, age 50) and his older brother Agustin (9-12-22). He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ana Luisa; his daughter Ana Maria (Fernando) Diaz-Gutierrez; Viridiana Capetillo Diaz (widow of Jose) and his son Rodolfo Diaz and ex-daughter in law Maricela Frascona. In addition to his grandchildren: Nathalie, Jose E. (Megan), Jose L., Rodolfo A. , Carlos, Luisangel, and AnaCarmen (Yesica, mom); his great grandchildren: Hazel, Isabella, Gabriella and Rodolfo Carmelo (Bri, mom). He is also survived by his siblings and spouses; Felicitas Martínez (widow of Agustin) Diaz Ovalle; Jos e (Rosalva Cruz) Diaz Ovalle; Ruben (Victoria Cabrera) Diaz Ovalle; Antonio (Gloria Rojas ) Diaz Ovalle, Maria Martha (Pedro Perez) Diaz Ovalle; and Armando (Adriana Alarcón) Diaz Ovalle. In addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and extended family and friends. Last, but not least his adopted grandkids: Jeff and Evangelina.

Carmelo and Ana Luisa and their 3 children immigrated to the USA in 1980 and chose the state of Michigan as their new home. His parents raised and instilled in him love of God and family. They educated him in religious values, hard work, responsibility, humbleness and resiliency; which he in turn passed on to his own children and family. Carmelo had a strong work ethic, he worked from a very young age. He was not embarrassed to help his mother with cooking and home chores, which he carried into his marriage. He worked and learned many trades throughout his life. Carmelo was a railroad worker by profession for 15 years of his life and for 32 years a Concrete Cement Worker. He worked for Doan Companies for more than 30 years and retired in 2012. Carmelo was gifted with many talents (painting, fixing cars, carpentry, construction, plumbing, electrical..) at his home and was always willing to help family and friends with his skills. Carmelo loved sports, especially Soccer, his favorite soccer team was of the Mexican Soccer League: Tigres (UANL). His passion for sports took him to The Michigan Wolverines Football Team, The Detroit Tigers and yes, thanks to Jose (RIP) The Detroit Lions. Carmelo was a care taker and cared for everything and every person that God put under his care. He was a very humble man, generous, honest, responsible, fun, loving, risk taker, and most of all, a man who loved his family more than himself. Carmelo was the best person that you could have in your life; he was a great husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, brother in-law.

Carmelo’s last 2 months were spent battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Carmelo loved God and his family above anything in this world. The loss of his son Jose a year ago left him with a broken heart, but he didn’t give up on life, he continued to love and care for his family. He went to his eternal rest in peace knowing that God accompanied him every second of his life. He acquired a profound devotion to praying the Rosary and The Divine Mercy Chaplet.