Diego Berbel Bernabé, 90, joined our Heavenly Father on September 17, 2026. He leaves this life deeply loved and respected by his family and with a legacy that will continue through the generations that follow him. Diego was born in Barcelona, Spain, on December 5, 1935 to Luis and Dolores. His life would take him far from the place of his birth and across much of the world, but wherever life took him, his commitment to his family remained constant.
He graduated from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina with a degree in petroleum engineering. His career with Phillips Petroleum took him and his family around the world and ultimately allowed him to bring his family to the United States, creating opportunities for his children and the generations that would follow.
For 63 years, Diego was married to the love of his life, Maria del Carmen “Lita” Berbel, who preceded him in death. Their marriage was the foundation of an extraordinary life together. Lita and Diego were true partners, side by side through decades of change, adventure, and family life until her passing.
Together, they built a life that spanned continents. Over the years, they called Argentina, Spain, Belgium, Venezuela, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and the United States home and traveled to many more places throughout the world. Through every move, they created a home grounded not in any particular place, but in their commitment to one another and to their family.
Diego was quiet and serious by nature, a thoughtful and intellectual man who valued knowledge, discipline, and purpose. He did not seek attention, but earned the respect of those around him through the way he lived his life. An avid reader, he had a lifelong love of books and learning, a deep appreciation for classical music, and a love of tennis. His interests reflected much of who he was—curious, contemplative, disciplined, and always engaged with the world around him.
Diego’s greatest legacy is the family he and Lita built together. He was deeply loved and respected by his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. He demonstrated his love through a lifetime of commitment, hard work, sacrifice, and the opportunities he created for his family. The life he built and the example he set will remain an enduring part of each of them.
Diego was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maria del Carmen “Lita” Berbel. He is survived by his three sons, Dr. German Berbel (Dr. Jamie) of Overland Park, Kansas; Maurice Berbel (Kim) of Lucas, Texas; and Sergio Berbel (Alicia) of Leeds, England; and his seven grandchildren, Haven, Sam, Alexander, Landon, Gabriel, Jordi, and Zachary.
Diego lived a remarkable 90 years. His was a life that crossed oceans and continents, yet its measure is found not in the many places he lived or traveled, but in the family he built, the opportunities he created, and the values he passed to the generations that follow him. Quiet in manner and steadfast in purpose, Diego leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, discipline, intellect, and devotion to family.
An interment service will take place at 10:00am on October 12, 2026, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 North Greenville Avenue, Allen, Texas 75002.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests that you keep Diego and his family in your prayers.
May he now be reunited with his beloved Lita and rest in the eternal peace of our Heavenly Father.