Obituary of Diego Escobar Guardado

Diego Alejandro Escobar Guardado, of Mt. Arlington, NJ, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025. He was 26 years old. Diego was born on July 9, 1999, in El Salvador to Michel Cardenas and Amalia Lynette Guardado Valladares. Diego honorably served in the U.S. Army, where he earned numerous awards including the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. He carried the weight of his military service with quiet strength, and after his honorable discharge, he transitioned into civilian life as a disabled veteran—determined not to let his injuries define him. Instead, Diego channeled his experiences into new purpose. He continued his commitment to service by volunteering with Mt. Arlington Fire and Rescue and most recently completed both Firefighter 1 and HAZMAT training. He was known among his academy classmates as a dependable leader, a fierce team player, and someone who met every challenge head-on. His dedication to public safety and helping others remained unwavering, and he took great pride in his role as a firefighter. Diego is survived by his loving wife, Susan Michelle Escobar Guardado, and their daughter, Amelia Elizabeth Escobar. Additional survivors include his parents, Michel Cardenas and Amalia Lynette Guardado Valladores; his uncle, Alfonso Guardado; and his grandparents, José Alfonso Guardado Rodas and Leticia Valladares Giron. Diego's Life Celebration will include a visitation on Sunday, August 10, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ. A prayer service will be held on Monday, August 11, at 10:30 am at the funeral home. Diego will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sparta, NJ.