About Alex
Alex was known as a “rocker at heart but with a heart of gold.” He found joy in music, from the strumming of his guitar to the timeless harmonies of classic rock. Alex’s laughter, kindness, and fearless spirit turned ordinary moments into grand adventures. He was more than a teacher; he was a friend, mentor, and a beacon of resilience to everyone who knew him.
Alex Marino Diaz, 55, passed away suddenly on September 24, 2024, leaving behind a life as loud, bold, and unforgettable as a rock song.
He lived life on his own terms—with laughter, charisma, and a sense of humor that could turn the worst of situations into something hilarious.
Born in Miami, Florida, on January 10, 1969, Alex was the embodiment of a true Gen X’er. He grew up in a time when kids roamed free, blasting AC/DC, idolizing Elvis Presley, and sharing his first concert experience—Van Halen—with his father, Pablo, also a talented guitarist. His passion for music ran just as deep as his love for family.
A graduate of Miami Coral Park Senior High, Class of 1987, Alex was always the kid with a plan—whether it involved music, a mischievous prank, or both.
He spent his childhood riding his Huffy bike with the neighborhood kids, building sketchy bike ramps that were fun until someone wiped out. When he wasn’t bringing home stray cats and begging his parents to let him keep them, he was transforming his parents’ queen-sized mattress into a wrestling ring, where his little sister often became the unfortunate opponent. These wild adventures made life with Alex thrilling, and without him, it would have been boring.
From an early age, Alex was naturally gifted at most everything, excelling at anything he set his mind to. He was an amazing baseball pitcher with a powerful fastball that made his father, Pablo, proud. He spent most of his youth playing for Tamiami Park’s Khoury League, always making the All-Star team. Baseball was a passion for many Cuban families, and Pablo would always leave work early just to watch Alex pitch.
Together, they shared countless evenings icing Alex's arm after a long night on the mound. Baseball may have been his sport, but music was his soul
As a teen, Alex dreamed of becoming a rock star and pursued his passion for music with relentless determination. At the age of 13, Alex picked up the electric guitar, and there was no turning back. After high school, he hung up his baseball cleats for good and dove headfirst into music. One of his first bands, Dirt Cheap, played gigs all over the city. Although they didn’t take off, Alex made great friendships along the way.
During this time, Alex met Susan Nelson, a doctor who would later become his wife. They met when Alex’s mother dragged him to the hospital for something minor, and, in true Alex fashion, he used the opportunity to ask Susan out.
With Susan by his side, Alex created a wonderful family and his greatest legacy, his two children, Andy and Anna. They were his guiding lights throughout his life.
Both accomplished musicians and multi-talented individuals, Andy, with his generous and warm spirit, plays drums, guitar, bass, and is a gifted photographer.
Anna, his beloved daughter, also a gifted musician, carries Alex’s courage and heart. Both of them inheriting his passion for music and his relentless determination.
In 1999, Alex opened Trail Music, a music studio where he taught guitar, piano, voice, and just about any instrument anyone wanted to learn. He was always eager to share his passion for music, offering the first lesson free on one condition: bring a song you love, and he’d teach you how to play it. While running the studio, he went to school and earned his degree in Music Theory from Florida International University.
Alex was also a devoted son to his father, Pablo, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond.
Losing Pablo in 2015 was one of the hardest moments of Alex’s life, but in true Alex fashion, he found solace in music, humor, and the love of his family.
Outside of school, Alex’s heart belonged to his Pittsburgh Steelers.
Game days were serious business at the Diaz house, and anyone who dared to root for another team faced Alex’s immediate disapproval. He could gauge a person’s character by simply asking, “What’s your team?” The Steelers were his love, and his nephew Evan learned his first "choice words" at the age of 3 during a particularly tough Steeler’s loss.
Though life threw him many curveballs, Alex found a soft landing and a renewed sense of purpose as a teacher at St. John’s Episcopal School, where he was beloved as both a music and PE teacher.
His students loved him, as Alex made sure to expose them to what he called "real music," like AC/DC, Van Halen, and other greats.
His mission was simple: to inspire a love for music in everyone he met. His easygoing nature and infectious enthusiasm made him a favorite among students and staff alike. Alex reminded us all to live with passion, laugh a little louder, and never forget the power of great music.
Alex is survived by his mother, Blanca; his amazing and talented son, Andy; Andy's fiancée, Dani Bianco; his beloved and fearless daughter, Anna; his sister, Alina, her husband, Beau; and his nephew, Evan.
To quote an AC/DC song, "It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll," and we know Alex is at the top, up there with Pablo, playing the guitar, laughing, and rooting for the Steelers.
If you're looking for a way to honor him, Alex would love it if you would pray for the Steelers.