Theodore Diamond

Theodore Diamond, combat veteran, attorney, CEO, and active citizen of Westport, died at home on  August 2 as a consequence of Covid-19. He was 105 years old. Ted was the cherished husband of  Carol Diamond and beloved father of William and Jonathan.  

After serving as an infantry drill instructor, Ted volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army Air Forces  during World War II. He was determined to fight and became the lead navigator of a group of 28  planes flying 50 missions against the Nazis leaving from North Africa, Italy, and Russia. The  missions were beyond dangerous--after 50 of them, only three of the original planes survived. The  exhibition entitled “In Their Own Words: Jewish Veterans of World War II,” at the Museum of  Jewish Heritage, is opened by Ted’s words: “As a Jew, it was Hitler and me. That’s the way I  pictured the war.”  

For his service, Ted received many medals and decorations, including two distinguished flying  crosses. He was proudest of the insignia of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor. This is France’s  highest military medal.  

Ted was totally engaged in Westport politics. He served three terms in the RTM, and three terms as  Second Selectman. He worked on many projects in Westport. Three projects stand out and helped  to form the character of the town. The first was the town’s acquisition of Longshore Country Club,  and the upgrading of the clubhouse. The second was working with the modernization of the Fire  Department to help it become one of the finest and most professional departments in Connecticut.  Finally, and probably most important to the town, Ted led a community movement to prevent the  development of a shopping mall and have the town purchase the land that has now become  Winslow Park.  

Born on July 3, 1917 in New York City, Ted was the son of Isador Diamond and Sadie (Drath)  Diamond. His parents had recently immigrated from Europe, had limited proficiency in English  and were very poor. To contribute money to the family, Ted worked from the age of eight in a  grocery store and drug store. 

Ted learned to read early, and when a mobile library unit began coming monthly to his community  of Far Rockaway, he borrowed and read as many books as he could. A teacher in Ted’s elementary  school recognized Ted’s talents and encouraged him to take the competitive exam for placement in  the elite public school, Townsend-Harris. He was subsequently admitted, and the experience  changed his life, introducing him to college level study, school government, an interest in world  affairs and a community of achievers within which he excelled. Following high school, Ted  graduated from St. John’s University and received his law degree from Columbia University. He  was drafted shortly after graduating from law school.

Before he flew overseas, he met Carol Simon for two hours at a party. He told his flight crew that if  she were still available after the war, he would marry her. In 1946, they were married, and shared  an intense love for 75 years until her death in March 2022.  

From 1946 until 1950, Ted practiced in a small law firm specializing in civil rights and labor law.  In 1950, he joined Composition Materials. Ted developed, manufactured and marketed diverse  materials used in industries from oil well drilling to airplane maintenance to the composition of  running tracks. He worked in Composition Materials until he was 87. 

Ted is survived by his sons William and Jonathan, his daughter-in-law  Harriet, his two grandsons, Theodore and Noah, and his great-grandchildren, Peter, June and  Beatrix.  

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday September 18 at 11am at MOCA Westport, 19  Newtown Turnpike, Westport, Connecticut. 

Contributions in his memory may be made to: ACLU Connecticut, 765 Asylum Avenue, Hartford,  Connecticut 06105.

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