Henry Diamond

Henry Diamond on August 20, 2016 at the age of 91 heeded God's call to be reunited with his loving wife Jackie and to finally hold his infant son John. Though his family will miss him terribly, we know this is truly a blessed day and Dad is at peace. Today marks the close of a very full and, at times, tumultuous life.
Born in 1924 in his beloved West Virginia, Henry had a rough life right from the very start. At the young age of thirteen, Henry left his home to join the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCCs took him to Idaho where he worked forestry until the outbreak of WWII. His country at war, Henry did what he thought was right-he lied about his age and joined the army, serving honorably in the Pacific Campaign. After the war, Henry returned home to marry his sweetheart Jackie and start their family. He took a job as a coal miner and worked it until a mining accident nearly took his life. He then, like so many others, moved his young family to Akron, Ohio in hopes of a better life. It was here that Dad taught us kids a lesson in love of family. Not by playing ball or telling us bedtime stories but by working two fulltime jobs for thirteen years in order to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. He wasn't a warm and fuzzy guy, but the arrival of his grandchildren and, later, great-grandchildren changed all that, bringing him boundless joy. Watching his "babies" grow up was his ultimate reward for the good life he'd built for us.
Henry and Jackie, they were the cornerstone of our family. Now, Mom and Dad are both gone, and we're all getting old ourselves with families of our own. Perhaps the best legacy for a man like Dad was knowing he raised his family to the best of his abilities and was loved and respected by his children and his children's children. Whether you knew him as Pap, Dad or Henry, a couple things are certain, he left an indelible impression and your life was made better for having had him in it.
Funeral services will be held at the Community Baptist Temple, 1370 Canton Road, Akron at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, August 24, 2016, where Pastor Mark O'Donnell will celebrate Henry's life.
Family and friends may visit at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 North Canton Road, Akron from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Tuesday, August 23, 2016.
Henry will be laid to rest with his wife at Hillside Memorial Park, Akron.
In lieu of flowers, spend time with your family, love them and let them know it! His loving children.