Norman A Diamond

NORMAN DIAMOND, age 86, died November 30, 2013.  Beloved husband of the late Charlotte (nee Perry); devoted father of Randy (Julie) Diamond, Rick (Myrna) Diamond, Carol Diamond (Glenn Alpert) and Cathy Diamond (Chris Stern); loving grandfather of Jared, Jonathan (Yafa), Sarah and Eli Diamond, Michael and Adam Diamond and Arielle Diamond; dear brother of Sylvia Lohman of FL and the following deceased; Herbert, Joe and Jack Diamond, Ruth Eisner and Eleanor Stark.  Services will be held at BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1985 S. TAYLOR RD., CLEVELAND HTS., Monday, December 2 at 12 noon.  Interment Bet Olam Cemetery.  The family will observe shivah FOLLOWING INTERMENT THROUGH WEDNESDAY at the residence of Rick and Myrna Diamond, 3997 W. Meadow Lane, Orange Village.  The family will then observe shivah THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY AFTER SHABBOS at the residence of Randy and Julie Diamond, 2471 Blossom Ln, Beachwood.  Contributions are suggested to the Norman Diamond Philanthropic Fund, c/o the Waxman Chabad Center, 2479 S. Green Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122 =================================================================== Norman Diamond was known as a pioneer in the men's clothing business. In 1949, he opened his first Diamonds Mens Store, and after returning from the armed service in 1952, went into business with his brother Herb. The business expanded over the years to 35 stores, which, in addition to Diamonds Mens Store, included Christian St. Jobn, Cricket West, and The Professional Woman. Mr. Diamond was a man of many interests. An avid tennis player, while in the service he played throughout Europe-representing the Army, and after returning, continued to compete and win tennis championships well into his forties. Also an excellent ping pong player, he used to run promotions at his stores offering a free suit to anyone who could beat him. For many years, he was the radio voice for Diamonds Mens Store. Strangers would frequently approach him, identifying with his folksy on air personality. He was particularly close to his brother Herb, helping convince him to run for mayor of Bentleyville, then helping him win as his campaign manager. Yet with all the success that he achieved in business, he always remembered his beginnings and remained humble. He was always charitable to many causes, but his true passion was connecting to people one on one. He loved people and people loved him. He often said that "to have a friend you have to be a friend." But these were not just empty words to him. He had a big heart, reaching out to people from all walks of life, doing whatever necessary to help. He would frequently take the down-and-out under his wing. Examples of his kindness and sympathy include having mentored and acted as a role model to countless people, buying cell phones for many who couldn't afford them, and helping several people find employment. He would even stop and pick up strangers walking down the street and drive them to work. Although these may seem to be small acts, to the people that benefitted, these kindnesses made all the difference. Husband of the late Charlotte (nee Perry), survived by sons Randy (Julie) and Rick (Myrna), daughters Cathy (Chris Stem) and Carol Glenn Alpert). seven grandchildren, and dearest companion Marlit Polsky