Theodore Daniel (Ted) Diamond was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on April 9, 2022. Ted was born October 8, 1931 in Pittsvield, MA to Dennis and Urania (nee Gourdouveli) Diamond. He is survived by his wife of 60 years and the love of his life Olga Diamond (nee Kandianis); his sons Dennis Diamond (Donna) of Sagamore Hills, OH and Peter Diamond (Ruth) of Stamford, CT, as well as three grandsons, Benjamin, Daniel, and Theodore Diamond. He is predeceased by his sister Soula Diamond of Pittsfield, MA and is survived by his sister, Georgia Caprino of Reston, Va.
Ted was a father figure to several generations of children of all races and economic backgrounds in Rensselaer, NY. Ted joined the Rensselaer Boys’ & Girls’ Club in 1955 program director and subsequently served as Executive Director from 1987 to his retirement in 1994. During his time as Executive, he initiated numerous innovative programs and fundraising events, including an after-school education program, the Gordie Noel Memorial Golf Tournament, and the Super Raffle, that set the Club on a firm footing to continue its essential role in the community into the 21st Century. Ted was also Camp Director at Camp Adventure throughout his tenure at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club. Ted put his heart and soul into helping the youth of Rensselaer and in his own words:
“I can only hope that my role at the club has, in some way, benefitted a percentage of its graduates. My fondest wish is that many former members credit the Boys’ and Girls’ Club with helping them become responsible adults … Both Olga and I thank you for taking us into your hearts … we will always call Rensselaer home.”
Ted was a US Army veteran, having served two years as an instructor to heavy vehicle mechanics during the Korean War. His teaching skills were so valued by the Army that he was kept stateside for the duration of his service.
The core of Ted’s life was built around service. his family, faith, and numerous interests, including sports, classical music, and reading. He loved history and took his family to historical and sites throughout New England, teaching his sons as he went. Ted and Olga were members of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Albany, NY where he taught Sunday School for many years. He loved baseball and was a pitcher in his youth, once having pitched to Hall of Famer Al Kaline. He liked to joke that the ball Kaline hit is still going. In his later years as a Popou, spending time with his grandsons, never failed to bring a smile of joy to his face.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff and Hudson Grande Senior Living for making his last few months more comfortable and happier as well as the nurses of Traditions Health of Cuyahoga Falls for their wonderful care in his last days.
Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 WEST AURORA RD (OH RT 82), SAGAMORE HILLS, FOR VISITATION ON THURSDAY FROM 5-7 P.M. TRASAIGON AT 5:30 P.M. All are asked to gather at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 4548 Wallings Road, North Royalton, OH on Friday at 11 a.m. to celebrate Ted’s Funeral Services. Private family interment at The Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Boy and Girls Clubs of Southern Rensselaer County or St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church of Albany NY.
