Arnold Diamond
Arnold Diamond, known to all as “Arnie” or “Papa” passed away peacefully at home on January 14, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family, just two weeks after celebrating his 80th wedding anniversary with his wife, Faith.
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Arnie met Faith when they were just teenagers, while ice skating in Van Cortlandt Park. It was a storybook beginning for an enduring love– Faith fell, and Arnie swept her up into his arms. They married on New Year’s Eve, “so the world could celebrate with them,” and their love story blossomed into a lifelong adventure. Together, they traveled the world, established friendships that became family, and created a legacy of love that today spans four generations.
After graduating from Dewitt Clinton High School, Arnie earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University’s former College of Pharmacy. He worked alongside his father in the family pharmacy before relocating his growing family to Connecticut, where he began a fulfilling 30-year career as a chemistry teacher at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk. During this time, he also earned a master’s degree in science from Union College where he roomed with Joe Fishman, who each night would turn up the AC and then cover Arnie with a warm blanket after Arnie fell asleep, starting a lifelong friendship second to none.
Back in his classroom, Arnie didn’t just teach science—he sparked curiosity and wonder in his students, even those with little interest in the subject. He was also the faculty advisor for the school’s chess team, guiding and mentoring many teenagers who looked to him as a father figure.
Arnie’s passions were many, and he created traditions that his family holds dear. He introduced his children and grandchildren to the joys of boating, water skiing, and scuba diving. Arnie was determined to teach everyone to water ski and “drop one ski” in no time! His love for the Caribbean, where he often vacationed with best friends Joe and Lena Fishman, became a cherished family adventure. Together, they explored the islands—Bonaire was his favorite— and Arnie shared his knowledge of the sea with everyone around him. He encouraged his children and grandchildren, as soon as they could talk, to learn the names of every tropical fish they saw, instilling a sense of wonder and learning to last a lifetime.
Arnie was also a competitive card player, excelling in Bridge, Poker, Blackjack, and Hearts. He loved facing a skilled opponent, and everyone knew the rules mattered—especially when it came to his turn! His sharp mind also made him a very formidable opponent at Backgammon, billiards, and chess. If you were losing, Arnie had a habit of offering to switch places. He still triumphed!
When he wasn’t in the water or playing cards, Arnie could often be found in a stained-glass studio, sketching, soldering and glazing decorative pieces of artwork that continue to grace the homes today of family and friends.
Throughout the years, Arnie and Faith shared a special bond with lifelong friends Joe and Lena, Dick and Harriet Rauh, Sandy and Joyce Zimmerman, and Ben and Ruth Kaslove. Arnie and Faith’s travels with Joe and Lena were particularly memorable. When they went on trips together, people confused the couples and often joked about “who was married to who.”
In 2000, Arnie and Faith joined the Fishmans on the Jersey Shore. They remained fiercely “incorrigible” and inseparable friends until Joe and Lena passed away. Arnie and Faith moved to Springfield, Virginia, in 2015, to be closer to their family.
Arnie was predeceased by his parents, Mitchell and Frieda, and his sister Judy. He is survived by his wife Faith, their children Lynn, Paul, and Martin (Robin), four grandchildren, Ellen (Mark), David (Jodi), Moriah (Sean), and Aaron; five great-grandchildren, Sarah, Emma, Noa, Quinn, and Greyson; as well as his extended Fishman family, including Robbie and Michelle, Beth, Peter, and Zoe.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Arnold’s memory can be sent to ECHO (Ecumenical Community Helping Others) online at echo-inc.org or via check to 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA 22150 or by calling 703-569-7972
You and your family are in our thoughts.
You were fortunate to have such a great Dad!
Dave and Kit Rafalko
Dr. Diamond and family, Alex and I are so sorry for your loss. Cherish your memories.
Arnie Diamond was a true treasure. I was lucky to have him in my life. My condolences.
Arnie Diamond was my chemistry teacher in 1972. Just today I wrote a story that highlighted him–it is called Mr. Diamond. I looked him up to make sure I spelled his name correctly–thinking he had passed away but that I might find a Brien McMahon reference to him–and was shocked to see that indeed, until a week ago he was alive. Had I thought of it sooner, I would have written my story sooner to send to him. I wish I had.
I would like to send it to someone in his family. If any of his kids can send me an email address, I will send it along.
Thank you.
Jenny Law
jennylaw1024@gmail.com