Visionaries: Alberto Diaz

A Spirited Supporter of AIDS Research

Alberto Diaz was a police officer, an artist, a military veteran, and a steadfast supporter of AIDS research. Mr. Diaz died peacefully at his home in Pacific Heights at the age of 92.

Born in 1923, Mr. Diaz lived in San Francisco his whole life. He served as a soldier during both World War II and the Korean War, and later as an officer in the San Francisco Police Department. His friends remembered his passion for life and his love of music, especially opera and Broadway. “Alberto was the life of the party, fearless, kind, and greatly loved by those who knew him,” said Martha Naber, a close friend and executrix of his estate.

Alberto’s love of theater and adventure took him around the world with his beloved partner of 26 years, Bill Appleby. When Bill was diagnosed with HIV in 1989, after receiving a tainted blood transfusion, Alberto worked tirelessly to care for him and began contributing to AIDS organizations. Sadly, Bill passed away only a year after his diagnosis, but Alberto continued to support the fight against AIDS through regular donations. His generous gifts to amfAR and other nonprofit AIDS organizations are a testament to his compassion and enduring commitment.

“Alberto Diaz’s charitable spirit is an inspiration and his substantial bequest will help advance amfAR’s efforts to end the AIDS epidemic,” said amfAR Chief Executive Officer Kevin Robert Frost. “We’re deeply grateful to him and to all whose generous legacies make our work possible.”

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