‘Keep riding, brotha’: community remembers vibrant Nesconset man

Family and friends are rallying to honor the life of 24-year-old Jerry Diaz Jr. through a GoFundMe campaign following the fatal crash in Stony Brook that claimed his life early Saturday morning.

The Nesconset man was riding a 2022 Honda motorcycle westbound on Nesconset Highway when his bike collided with a northbound 2017 GMC truck turning left onto the highway from New Moriches Road at 12:22 a.m., Suffolk police said. He died at the scene.

The driver of the truck, 25-year-old Mark Anthony Giordano of St. James, was arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired —combined drugs/alcohol. He pleaded not guilty at Suffolk County District Court in Central Islip.

Loved ones organized a GoFundMe titled “Honoring Jerry Diaz, Jr.’s Memory,” aiming to make a donation in Diaz’s name and preserve his legacy. As of Wednesday morning, more than 200 donations had been made, totaling over $26,000.

‘Lived fully, loved deeply’

The campaign describes Diaz as a devoted son, grandson, cousin, friend, boyfriend and “dog father,” who was especially proud of being a big brother to Alex, 22, and Nicholas, 10.

“When he was on his bike, he wasn’t just riding — he was doing what he loved most,” the fundraiser reads. “For someone so young, Jerry experienced more joy and thrill in his 24 years than many do in a lifetime.

“He lived fully, loved deeply, and inspired everyone around him to do the same,” it continued.

Diaz’s family and friends remembered him as handsome, funny, loyal and kind, with a gift for turning everyday moments into lasting memories. The campaign closes with a final tribute: “Keep riding, brotha #LIhitta—until we meet again.”