David Diaz, NYC Journalist and Mentor, Passes Away at 82

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. — Retired journalist David Diaz, known for his impactful reporting in New York City, passed away last week at the age of 82, CBS News reported on Monday.

Diaz was a prominent figure in journalism for over three decades, covering significant events such as the September 11 attacks and several presidential elections. He spent 15 years at NBC 4, followed by more than 12 years at CBS 2. His colleagues remembered him as a ‘reporter’s reporter’ who was always willing to lend a hand.

‘A reporter’s reporter. New York City guy,’ said CBS Evening News anchor Maurice Dubois. ‘Hardscrabble, you know, bringing himself up and wanting to bring others up as well.’

Mary Calvi, a CBS News anchor, remarked that Diaz ‘understood New York like very few journalists know’ and described him as a ‘consummate professional’ with a charming personality.

Although the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, Diaz’s family noted that he had been dealing with a form of dementia that affected his communication abilities in recent years.

Born in Puerto Rico in 1942, Diaz moved to Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan as a toddler. He graduated from Fordham Preparatory School, then City College, and later earned a master’s degree from Columbia University.

Before joining NBC, Diaz worked as a print reporter and activist. He was the first Hispanic anchor at a major New York television station and received five Emmy Awards throughout his career.

‘I first met David Diaz when I was a print reporter and we went on a complicated trip to South America and Central America,’ said CBS political reporter Marcia Kramer. ‘He was able to take this complex story with multiple locations and feed a piece back to the evening news every single night, making it look incredibly effortless.’

Diaz experienced health issues following his coverage of the Ground Zero site in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. He is survived by his wife, Andrea, their daughters Elena and Nina, and son-in-law Johnathan.

His legacy in journalism continued even after retirement, as he taught at CUNY, where he inspired future journalists in classes focusing on mass media, politics, and journalism.

CBS News New York expressed gratitude for Diaz’s contributions, calling him a ‘legend’ and highlighting his remarkable abilities, generous spirit, and infectious smile.