Obituary of Joshua B. Diamond

JOSHUA B. DIAMOND 1944-2009 LATHAM - Joshua B. Diamond passed away on July 11, 2009, at Community Hospice, Albany. Born February 13, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Josh was the son of Philip Diamond and Elisa Benamy Diamond. Raised in Berkeley, California, he earned a B.S. degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and master's and Ph.D. degrees in physics at the University of Pennsylvania. A fruitful career in physics culminated in 29 years as a professor at Siena College, where he delighted in teaching and learning from students and colleagues, publishing his work in several physics journals. In May 2009, he was presented with Siena College's first Matthew C. Conlin, O.F.M., Distinguished Service Award for his many years of outstanding service to promote the collegiality and intercommunication between faculty and administration that have been a hallmark of the College. His colleagues in the Physics Department established the Joshua B. Diamond Scholarship in Josh's honor, to be awarded annually to an outstanding senior physics major. Josh was a devoted son, husband, father, and brother. He took care of his mother through many years of illness, at the same time raising two sons, Charles "Jake" and David, with his wife, Celia. The 40-year marriage of Josh and Celia was a joyous one of mutual love, romance, support, and partnership. He was a close and loving brother to his sister Elin and brother Jonathan. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, five grandchildren, his sister and brother, his wife, and many friends and relatives. Josh was an active member of Congregation Agudat Achim, Niskayuna, serving on its School Board and singing in its choral group, Hava Nashira. He will be sorely missed by scores of friends, relatives, and colleagues near and far. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those who wish to remember Josh contribute to Congregation Agudat Achim, 2117 Union Street, Schenectady, New York 12309 or to Siena College, Joshua B. Diamond Scholarship Fund, Route 9, Loudonville, New York 12110. The period of mourning will be observed at the Diamond residence on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Congregation Agudat Achim, 2117 Union Street, Schenectady, New York on Tuesday July 14, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Agudat Achim Cemetery, Rotterdam, New York