Diaz James Bonville, community activist
Diaz James Bonville, 68, of Rehoboth Beach, transitioned peacefully surrounded by his loved ones Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. Diaz, the fifth-eldest child, with two brothers and three sisters, was born Dec. 24, 1955, to the late Roland Harrison Bonville Sr. and Sarah Belle Shockley Bonville. He grew up and attended public schools in Lincoln and the Cape Henlopen School District, graduating in 1973. He went on to attend college at Delaware Technical and Community College in Georgetown, where he received an associate degree in human services with a strong concentration in program management and administration. Notably, he was the first African American to receive the Delaware Technical and Community College Alumni Walk of Success honor.
Diaz was a man of many talents. He spent a great deal of time working for Indian River School District before finally ending his career working under U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester in 2022. In addition to his schoolwork duties, Diaz was quite busy in his church and community. He was the co-founder of West Rehoboth Children and Youth Program and the president of West Side New Beginnings, which he held very close to his heart. He was a member of Mount Pleasant Church in Rehoboth, where he served on several ministries. Diaz also delegated his time and expertise to serve on numerous boards and organizations throughout the community and state. He was appointed by the governor to be an active member of the Delaware Human & Civil Rights Commission.
Diaz's church, school, and community involvement have brought him several honors and rewards. His volunteerism has gained local, state, and national media attention. In his spare time, Diaz enjoyed reading, traveling, writing, public speaking, mentoring, volunteering, and the Spanish culture. He touched many lives through his text message ministry.
Diaz leaves to cherish loving memories his wife of 44 years, the former Linda Elizabeth Duffy of Rehoboth; their three daughters, Dilinda Deshields (Carreras), LaToya Bonville and Jalisa Bonville; three grandchildren, Tamia Bonville, Daeveon Deshields and Kendall Deshields; five siblings, Roland Bonville Jr. (Beverly), Seward Bonville (Irene), Sarah Wood (Thomas), Helena Gibbs and Earlue Woodall (Larry Sr.); and in-laws, James Duffy (Everlina), John Duffy (Diana), Bruce Duffy (Sallie), Carlton Duffy, Cornell Duffy (Stephanie), Bernita Hackney, Kelvin Duffy (Pamela), Marvin Duffy (Ruki) and Marlene Duffy. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law, Irene Duffy; a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins; an extended family of community members; and a longtime family friend, Brenda Milbourne.
Diaz will lie in repose from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, with a service beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Peoples Memorial Park, Rehoboth Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to West Side New Beginnings/West Rehoboth Children and Youth Program, 19801 Norwood St., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
A ministry of comfort and dignity is being provided by Lewis N. Watson Funeral Home, Salisbury, Md.
Visit lewisnwatsonfuneralhome.com to offer condolences to the family.
