Clyde Casanova-Diaz, age 63, of Land O’ Lakes, Florida passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025. Born on September 4, 1962 from Vieques, Puerto Rico. Clyde was the beloved son of Ada E. Diaz De Casanova and Clyde P. Casanova-Quiñonez.
Clyde was passionate for wildlife, camping and sustainable communities. As a boy, he traveled with his family to Vieques and Culebra, Puerto Rico. One of Clyde’s favorite activities growing up was joining the Boy Scouts of America in 1973. He attended the Escuela Elemental Domenech and Colegio Nuestra Señora De Lourdes Country Club for his K-12 education. Clyde earned his International Open Water Diver certificate with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) on December 3, 1977.
Clyde graduated from Antonio Sarriera Egozcue High School in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico on June 1981. He soon joined the United States Army that same year, from June 1981 to April 1984. Clyde was a Private First Class, Material Storage and Handling Specialist. He was stationed to Fort Riley, Kansas. On 1981, Clyde was awarded for Certificate of Training for mastery of Defense Language in Fort Dix, New Jersey. He received 2 Certificates of Achievement from the Headquarters Fourth Battalion on March 26, 1982 and March 29, 1982, respectively. Clyde visited the Quartermaster School in Fort Lee, Virginia to complete his Material Storage and Handling Specialist Course on April 9, 1982. Lastly, he partook in Army Chapel Activities at Fort Riley from November 15, 1983 to April 5, 1984.
After the military, Clyde attended Puerto Rico Junior College in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. He graduated with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Criminology in 1986. Clyde continued his education by transferring to the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. From his Alma mater, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Social Science with a concentration in Human Welfare. Clyde worked at the United States Department of Commerce as a surveyor during March 1990 to April 1990. Then with the Department of Education from September 1990 to February 1993, as a public school social worker in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On February 1993, Clyde joined the United States Peace Corps where he trained for 13 weeks at Tumbaco, Ecuador. Then he counseled with youth in drug prevention and life development in the City of Ibarra, Ecuador.
Following the Peace Corp, Clyde moved to Miami, Florida. He enjoyed biking in Key Biscayne, camping in the Everglades, riding his white jeep offroad, and visiting theme parks such as Universal Studios in Orlando. Clyde started his career with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) on February 1994. While working there, he fell in love with Miriam Arteta, who was introduced by a colleague. On August 12, 1996, Clyde married the love of his life, Miriam in Downtown Miami. He became a father on April 22, 1997 when his daughter, Daniella Casanova was born. Clyde and his family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where his department was relocated in April 1999. He lived in St. Petersburg, Florida for 13 years. Clyde moved once more to Land O’ Lakes, Florida in 2008 where he worked at the DCF Tampa offices. Clyde was a DCF social worker for 30 years up until his retirement.
As a father, Clyde would bike with his daughter, Daniella at the Suncoast Trail in Pasco County on the weekends. He enjoyed family outings to Ikea, Wiregrass Mall, jogging at the University of South Florida, Downtown walks to St. Petersburg or Tampa. While at home, Clyde adore watching live streams of nature cams and funny videos on Youtube. His favorite Youtubers to watch were Itchy Boots (Noraly), Traveling Robert, Waldys Off Road. Clyde’s favorite meals were arroz de gandules, ramen, and salmon made by his wife, Miriam. Each morning Clyde would brew his favorite coffee cup of Café Bustelo with his moka express pot.
Together, Clyde and Miriam shared 29 wonderful years of marriage. Survivors include his loving wife Miriam Arteta, his daughter Daniella Casanova, and his brother Rafael Casanova-Diaz. Clyde’s nephew David Aymat Casanova and niece Adriana Aymat Casanova from his sister, Ada Idalis Casanova. His aunts who were Anita Diaz Gonzalez and Adelaida Diaz Reyes. Proceeded by his half siblings Clyde V. Casanova Santiago, Fernando Casanova Santiago, and Giovanna Casanova Santiago. Clyde leaves behind a beloved community of extended family and friends to celebrate his legacy.
The funeral Mass was held at 3 PM on October 9, 2025 at the Veterans Funeral Care, 830 N. Belcher Rd. Clearwater, FL 33765. St. Cecilia Catholic Church Deacon, Francisco “Paco” Martinez-Pacini blessed Clyde. Inurnment followed at 12:30 PM on October 10, 2025 at the Bushnell National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave Bushnell, FL 33513.
Visit Clyde Casanova-Diaz’s Veterans Legacy Memorial: https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/
Obituary Memorial by Daniella Casanova
