Monday, October 15, 2012

Stan's Final Journey

Dr. Stanley C. Diamond has embarked upon his biggest journey yet.....sadly, he passed away on Saturday, October 13th, 2012.  Below is his obituary as it appeared in the local paper.  Thank you for following Stan's blog.  He enjoyed sharing his experiences and knowledge with the thousands of you all over the world.

Dr. Stanley C. Diamond, 80, beloved husband and soul mate of Beverly for 52 years, loving father of Dr. Gary Diamond (Rivi) and Jodi Finkel (Dr. Len), adored Bebop of Ross, Gabby, and Harrison Finkel and Orian and Yahel Diamond.  Lifelong educator, including 16 years as teacher and director at Akiba Lower School, where he was fondly referred to as "Mr D". Founder and director of the Mill Creek School, at the Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital.  He enjoyed 32 years at summer camps in various roles. 

Stan was active in the Civil Rights movement.  He founded the local chapter of Congress of Racial Equality, and participated in sit-ins and other acts of protest, including marches on Washington.  He was involved in Freedom Rides and founded the Coordinating Council for School Integration, which was an extensive coalition of local organizations designed to end segregation in the Philadelphia Schools. He was on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community Relations Council.  He was one of the first recipients of the Sylvia Cohen Award for inter-group work in the community.  Together with John White, Stan co-founded the Mt. Airy Coalition for Youth.  In 1983, he organized the first Northwest Interfaith Movement (NIM) celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which has remained an annual celebration in the community.  Stan also participated actively in the Interfaith Hospitality Network, which was housed at Germantown Jewish Center.  Stan was the member of the executive committee of the Interfaith Coalition for the General Welfare, working with the homeless and needy.  Most recently, he was the recipient of the Rev. Richard R. Fernadez Religous Leadership Award to honor his extensive volunteer work in the interfaith and civil rights communities.

Stan thoroughly enjoyed bicycling and tennis.  He was an avid traveller, visiting over 75 countries, prize-winning photographer, and an accomplished author.  He published many articles on education and travel, and recently published a book on third world travel entitled, "What's an American Doing Here". 

Stan was most proud of his loving wife, and cherished children and grandchildren.  His goal in life was to leave this world and those people he touched better off for his having existed"