Diego was born on November 12, 1939 to the late Santiago Colón and Angela Rivera Colón in Santurce, Puerto Rico. He continued to reside in Puerto Rico for the beginning of his childhood until at age five, he left with his father to start a new life in New York City. Diego lived the remaining of his childhood and adolescent years in New York where he graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1956. As a young adult, he moved to Connecticut where he and his business partner established A-1 Shell gas station, tire, and wrecker service. Diego later moved to Rock Hill, South Carolina in the early 1970’s.
Mr. Colón has served the citizens of Rock Hill in the sales industry for over 50 years. Many will remember him for his longevity in the automotive industry where he served for over 40 years. He was an active and lifetime member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge 1720. In the past 47 years, Diego has filled numerous positions within the fraternity: Junior Past President, Executive Vice President, Prelate, and Deputy Director of Conversation, just to name a few. In addition, he served two terms as Governor and Past Governor. Throughout his almost 5 decades as a lifetime member of the Moose, Diego has earned the following degrees: Fellowship Degree of Honor, Moose Legion Degree, and the Pilgrim Degree of Merit. He held an active role and position on the Ritual Team for many years for Rock Hill Lodge 1720. Diego was an honorary citizen of Mooseheart, located in Chicago, Illinois which serves children in need, as well as an honorary member of Moosehaven, located in Orange Park, Florida which serves the elderly members of the fraternity.
Diego enjoyed spending time cheering on his mighty University of South Carolina Gamecocks and Charlotte Hornets. He loved talking about the new recruits, trades, coaches, and what was in store for next season because it was only going to be better than before. During his off season from sports, he would spend his time watching old black and white westerns like Roy Rogers & Dale Evans, Cassius Clay, and John Wayne. Diego loved cutting grass and working to beautify his yard as long as his health permitted. He was a past member of the Rock Hill Shag Club and absolutely loved shagging the night away to some good ole Carolina beach music with his wife. He loved spending his spare time traveling, and by the water, whether that was driving down to one of the Carolina beaches, boating on the Jersey shore, or deep sea fishing off the Florida coast. However, Diego’s greatest love, enjoyment, and all time favorite pastime was spending time with his family and loved ones because to him, family was everything and most important.
Mr. Colón is survived by his wife, Jane Donnan Colón; four children, Carla Danielle Colón of Rock Hill, SC, Rebecca Lynn Colón-Evans (Christian) of Stratford, CT, Gary Micheal Colón of Miami, Florida, and Keith Richard Colón (Carolee) of Gastonia, NC; seven grandchildren, Keith Colón II, Gary Colón II, Anthony Colón, Jovan Colón, Jahsiah Colón, Jace Colón-Evans, and Sebastian Jauregui; a great granddaughter, Malaya Collier-Colón; a great great granddaughter expected to arrive next month; a sister, Lydia Pou; nieces and nephews; a bonus daughter, Christina Neely- Balch; two bonus grandchildren, Samantha Glenn and Colton Glenn. Diego is preceded in death by his sister Maria Luberza and other siblings and nephews.
The service for Diego “Jimmy” Colón will be held Thursday May 30, 2024 at 6:00pm at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road Rock Hill, SC 29732. The family will receive friends immediately following the service from 7:00pm -8:30pm.