Dr. Joseph Francis Diaco, M.D.

Dr. Joe Diaco passed away peacefully on December 19th surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his immigrant parents, James and Elizabeth (Liz), and his identical twin, Nicholas (Nick) Diaco, M.D. Joe is survived by his sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Arthur, his three sons, Dan, Stephen, and Joseph Jr. (Jay), and the mother of their children, Arlene; daughter-in-laws, Romina, Krista and Kandall. Other dear family members are his nephews, Brian Arthur and Scott Arthur, and nieces, Nicole Burgess and Kelly Pearce. His beloved grandchildren are Danny, Sofia, Nicholas, Bella, Joseph III (Trey), and Sage. His best friend, Bill Weinberg, is also considered a surviving family member.

Dr. Joe Diaco lived the most extraordinary life and left a great legacy for his family. He was born on April 8, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he received his college and medical school educations. He remained in Philadelphia for his surgery residency at the University of Pennsylvania, where he became the Chief Resident of Surgery. Joe then served as a surgeon in the United States Air Force and reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after several years of service. Afterward, he moved to Tampa and began his surgical practice. He was Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff for years at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and was an incredibly innovative and talented surgeon. Like his identical twin, Nick, Dr. Joe Diaco brought new technologies into the operating room and invented or improved surgical procedures, including the laparoscopic hernia repair. One of his nicknames was “Daytona Joe,” because of his speed and proficiency in the operating room. He saved countless lives in the Tampa Bay area and was known to take the most difficult cases that others would turn down. Whenever he could, Dr. Joe would be golfing as a founding member at Old Memorial Golf Club, where he was a fierce competitor.

Joe’s excellence as a doctor got the attention of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization and Hugh Culverhouse in 1976, the year the team originated. He was soon named the head doctor for the Bucs, a position that he enjoyed for 33 years. Hall of Famer, Derrick Brooks, recently shared that ‘Doc’ thought he was the best-looking doctor in the NFL, but he also happened to be one of the longest-running team doctors in NFL history and was one of the creators of the NFL Combines. He became so well known as an innovative sports medicine doctor and surgeon, that he had the privilege of operating on numerous world-class athletes in other sports (MLB, NHL). He remained very close with the Glazer family and the President of the Buccaneers, Brian Ford, as well as so many of the players who loved him. The organization recently awarded him a second Super Bowl ring in 2021 even though he has been retired from the team since 2008. Joe recently sat with Brian and Joel Glazer and thanked them for ‘the best times of my life.’ He remained close to so many of the players, coaches, and staff who grieve with us.

During the Christmas season, Dr. Joe Diaco‘s office was always filled with gifts from grateful, uninsured patients who could not afford his services. He never turned anyone away, and he treated everyone with dignity and respect. He gave so much to so many in the Tampa Bay Area.

The most important thing to Dr. Joe Diaco was his family. He was the greatest father and grandfather to his three sons and six grandchildren. He never missed an award ceremony, sporting event, or Grandparents’ Day. He led by example, including his service as a board member of the Tampa International Airport Authority, and his service to the Tampa Bay Area will continue through his children and grandchildren who proudly serve this community. He has left a legacy that will survive generations in the Tampa Bay Area, and his family will continue to honor his legacy by serving everyone equally and to the best of their abilities. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him or were touched by his gifted hands. Rest in peace, Legend! Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 3rd from 4pm to 6pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 509 N. Florida Ave, Tampa. A prayer service will begin at 6pm.