Francisco R. "Frank" Diaz

DANVERS - Francisco R. “Frank” Diaz, age 82, of Danvers, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 12, 2026.

Frank is survived and missed by his loving wife of 61 years, Roberta (née Solon), and his children, Kevin Diaz, Kelly Bialecki and her husband Gerald, Kimberly Peterson and her husband James. “Papa” will be forever cherished and remembered by his grandchildren, Joseph and Kristi Bialecki, Andrew Bialecki, James Diaz, Margaret Peterson and Conor Peterson, and by his great-granddaughter, Emilia Bialecki. His memory and legendary story-telling will be cherished by his family, their loved ones, his loving friends and loyal neighbors.

Frank’s life-long work ethic began in his father’s East Boston store delivering groceries at 7 years old. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard, enlisting at 17 years old. While serving, Frank met the love of his life, Roberta, while they both worked at U.S. Public Health Service Hospital in Brighton. They married in 1964 and moved to Chelsea. With their new son, they moved to Saugus in 1966. There, they welcomed two daughters. The family moved to Danvers in 1981, where Frank and Roberta built an unforgettable life of loving memories and hilarious stories.

Frank took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren. Babysitting young Joseph and James. Road trips with Kevin, Joseph and James to New York and throughout New England. Regaling stupendous tales of his youth and crazy relatives to Maggie and Conor. Frank was especially caring to Andrew, and they shared a love of YouTube. Papa always shared advice on life skills with his all grandchildren and loved their visits and calls.

Frank could fix anything and everything. Just give it to Dad, from cars to vacuum cleaners to tangled chains, Frank would painstakingly and patiently work the problem and fix it. Just don’t hold the flashlight slanted or hand him the wrong tool.

Frank was unapologetically himself. “Do the best you can do. That’s all you can do.” He did everything with honesty and integrity. He had very strong values, was loyal, and we knew we were loved. He instilled those values into his children and grandchildren. We will miss his wisdom, humor, stories, and his yelling, “Bobbi!” throughout the house. His legacy will carry on forever reminding us that actions speak louder than words, and humor and love carries the day.

There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to our family, friends and neighbors who were there for Frank throughout the years. Also a heartfelt thank you to the Mass General Brigham-Salem Hospital ICU doctors, nurses and staff, the Danvers Firefighters and Northeast Regional Ambulance.

ARRANGEMENTS: Visiting hours to celebrate Frank’s life will be held at O’Donnell Cremations-Funerals-Celebrations, 167 Maple Street, (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 11:00 A.M to 1:00 P.M. All other services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warriors Project (https:// support.woundedwarriorproject.org) or Tunnels to Towers (https://dogood.t2t.org/give). To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.