Mauro E. Diaz, age 52, and Mateo Diaz, age 8, of Casper died on September 24, 2022 in a car accident near Thermopolis, WY. Mauro, born April 21, 1970 in northern Mexico to Mauro and Guadalupe Diaz had a life defined and influenced by the outdoors. He grew up as a Boy Scout, cyclist, Little Leaguer, and overall athlete. After his youth in Silver City, NM, he received a BA in English at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX. Mauro moved to Wyoming in 1995 to work with a childhood friend in Laramie. He found many friends through his adventures and truly fell in love with the state, ultimately receiving a BS in Biology from UW and finding his calling to make a difference in Wyoming as a teacher.
Mauro and Angela Haiar, married 19 years, moved from Laramie to New York City in 2002 where Mauro served as a NYC Teaching Fellow and began his teaching experience in the Bronx while earning a MS in Secondary Science Education. Mauro, Angela, and their 1st born son, Jack, made their way back to Wyoming in 2005 where Mauro began teaching at Dean Morgan MS and Natrona County HS in Casper from 2005 to his death. He was always committed to his students and felt a deep obligation to make them better individuals. Mauro was instrumental in bringing FIRST LEGO robotics to Wyoming, served as a National Board Certified Teacher, US Department of Education Teaching Ambassador Fellow, founder of the Wyoming Education Summit, and board member of several national education foundations.
Mauro's relationship with the wilderness, the outdoors, and his pledge of being true to himself and his words were the biggest drivers in his life. He was committed to passing these principles on to his three sons: Jack, Diego, and Mateo. He was beyond proud of them, their accomplishments, and their backpacking journeys together in Wyoming's mountains.
Mauro had a special, carefree relationship with his youngest son, Mateo, born June 13, 2014 in Casper, WY and 3rd grader at Park Elementary School. Mateo's joy for life and his family was infectious. He knew how good life was with two teenage brothers and wanted nothing more than to "do everything Jack and Diego do." Mateo cherished his time with his family and valued the relationships he had with his cousins and friends. Mateo grew up at the ice rinks, soccer fields, and cross-country courses throughout Wyoming and was never without a smile on his face. He had an appetite for building things: LEGOs, inventions, and art. His current passions were to complete the Harry Potter book series, become a Level 5 swimmer, and be a soccer and hockey champion.
Mateo and Mauro are greatly missed. They are survived by mother/wife Angela Haiar and brothers/sons Jack (18) and Diego (16) Diaz of Casper. Uncle/ Brother-in-Law Keith (Sherry) Haiar and children Lauren, Owen, and Hayes of Beulah, WY. Aunt/ Sister-in-Law Sonya (Ben) Gruner and children Andrew, Nathan, and Ellison of Casper, WY. Grandparents/ In-laws Lee and Betty Haiar of Beulah, WY.
They are also survived by Mauro's caring mother, Guadalupe Diaz, 82, of Silver City, NM, sisters Julietta (Luis) Nolasco of Phoenix, AZ, Lydia Diaz of Silver City, NM, and Amalia Castellanos of Tucson, AZ. Nephew Alejandro (Rosanna) Nolasco and son Noah of Las Cruces, NM. Niece Daniella (Jacob) Aguilar and children Avery, Isla, and Mila of Phoenix, AZ. Niece Adriana (Jacob) Silva and children Audrina and Andres of Las Cruces, NM. Nephew Gregory Castellanos and niece Elizabeth Honey Castellanos of Tucson, AZ. As well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins who have been an important part of his youth and adulthood contributing to who he was as a person.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mauro and Mateo Diaz Memorial Fund at Jonah Bank of Casper.
A celebration of their lives will be held at 4:00 PM, Thursday, October 6, 2022 at Highland Park Community Church in Casper, if you are unable to attend and would like to view the service livestreamed, please follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/HighlandParkCommunityChurch
Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer Casper Chapel. To leave a special message for the family, please select the "Share Memories" option.