Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
J. DIGGINS Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for J. DIGGINS
Clarence Perry
May 8, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Coach Diggins was an inspiration to me and the lessons he shared with me I still hold to this day. R.I.H.
DARRYL PLENTY
November 13, 2012
After all these years, when I run/walk while exercising. I still got that voice in my head, "move your arms, Darryl, move your arms" When we would interval workout up and down Lang & Courtland streets. When we would run the "3 mile course". Still remember the day, he said, "today we are going to do the 3 mile course 4 times"...
Coach, if I remember you after all these years, You definetly make an impact on Me...GOD BLESS YOU....
September 27, 2012
I jut learned of Mike's death. Mike and I ran together at MSU, and lived in the same suite on campus. Best wishes to his family. I only wish we had kept in touch.
John Hagan Birmingham,AL
Jay Surman
July 8, 2012
I ran cross country my freshman year for coach Diggins in 1971. He encouraged me, more like told me, to run the turkey trott in 1971, which I did. I quit after that season because it was too hard. He demanded the best from you. I started running again in 2003 and have not looked back. I guess this is the best way I can thank him. I ran the turkey trott this past year (2011) as my way of celebrating a hugh accomplishment he instilled in me 40 years prior as a skinny insecure 13 yr old. Coach, when I run today I can still hear your voice "LETS GO SURMAN" as we did 1/2 mile intervals around the baseball diamonds at schller park.
Jay Surman '75 Turner
June 4, 2012
RIP coach. You made a difference to me ,many of my classmates, and other countless kids you mentored.
We will all run again together someday...
Mike Kozlowski
Bishop Turner '79
Emil Jablonski
May 31, 2012
Dear Diggins Family,
It would be wonderful to know exactly how many young men were inspired to rise above their own expectations by Mister Diggins' encouragement (and by the generous amounts of personal time he devoted to his teams). Let's be conservative and say it's in the low thousands. Thousands! And each, on a one-to-one basis.
35-years after Mister Diggins last clicked his stopwatch in my direction, I still reach back to what he taught us, and to what he showed us we could accomplish, whenever I face a new challenge.
Sincerely,
Emil Jablonski
New York
Turner '76
Patrick Judge
May 23, 2012
Dear Julie & Diggins Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Erik Baker
May 22, 2012
Coach Diggins is a once-in-a-lifetime gem of a man, husband, father, coach, mentor, and friend. It is through his personal integrity, dedication and love that all the boys who passed through SJCI X-Country, Track, and Gym classes grew into men. As a friend, his loss is devastating, but I am most saddened that he can no longer directly influence more people. Hopefully SJCI will see to a proper memorial in his honor. Thanks Coach Diggins for making me a better person!
Vic Patnella
May 19, 2012
Mr. Diggins was one of the best men I ever knew. I ran cross country for him at Turner and I have used the lessons he taught us all through out my life in any endeavor I took on. He was always concerned for, helping, teaching every person on the team, no matter your level of talent. He just wanted you to do your best, always trying to improve, and work honestly. Over the many years when my classmates from Turner and I got together, we'd talk about the "old" teachers. Eventually Mr. Diggins would come up, and all of us runners would talk of him with such reverence, about what a great man he was, and how he influenced all of us in all our lives. I had always wanted to seek him out and tell him that. Four years ago, my oldest daughter was competing in the All-Catholic cross country race, and as excited as I was when she was one of the top runners in the varsity race, despite being a freshman, I was even moreso when I spotted Mr. Diggins in the crowd. I introduced him to my daughter, and of course he had great words and that great smile for her, but I then fulfilled my wish, pulled him aside and told him about how we all always talk of him and how he taught us lessons that we never forgot. By the end of my little speech, we were both in tears. It was a moment I will always cherish. Every coach, every teacher, every person, should do there best to 'be like Mike'......Mike Diggins. Rest in Peace and thank you again, so very much. Vic Patnella '71
Charles Williams
May 18, 2012
Thank you Coach Diggins. I owe you so much.
Chuck Williams Bishop Turner Track Team 1981
James Winiewicz
May 18, 2012
Coach Diggins,
R I P you where trully an inspiration and great human being
Paul Lewis
May 18, 2012
It was with great sadness that I read of Mike Diggins passing. He was a special person who touched so many peoples lives. If you wanted to use a model for all future teachers and coaches to emulate Mike Diggins should be it. It was always about his students and athletes and never about himself. South Buffalo could not have had a better ambassador than Mike. I count it as a blessing that I could call Mike a friend.
May you Rest in Peace.
Ray Appenheimer
May 17, 2012
Todd Grady was kind enough to track me down last week and give me the news of Mike Diggins' passing. I have done my best over the past week to put it away and try not think about it. This is my lousy way of dealing with things that make me profoundly sad. I have wanted to reach out to my former teammates, but that would make all of this just too real. Yet there was the news again in my email inbox today. I suspect I am one of hundreds of men, grown now, who are writing and speaking on behalf the contribution Mike Diggins made to their lives.
Mike was a giant. I cannot think of another person who affected more change in me at St. Joes than Mike. I am sad. But I am also lucky. I want to take this moment to recognize what Mike gave to me, and I certain, each of us.
My first encounter with Mike was towards the end of my freshman year at St. Joes. I was cut from the baseball team and turned to track to get faster for football. The first day of outdoor track was expectedly cold, forty degrees, wet and rainy. The cinders of the old track were particularly muddy that day, and I was well underdressed for practice. To stay warm I decided to wear a white wool sweater for our sprints around the track. A minute or two into the workout I hear booming from across the track, “What the hell are you doing! Your mother is going to kill you! Get that sweater off!” There was Coach Diggins bounding across the infield spitting as he yelled, arms gesticulating like a crazy person. Like many freshman boys at St. Joes, the one thing I desired each day was to go about my business unnoticed. When you were on Mike's radar that was never the case. When he caught up to our group Mike went into a rant about how you will never get black cinders out of a white sweater and how he was not going to be responsible for ruining that sweater. I guarantee you I listened to every word, and my face became redder from embarrassment than it was from running in the cold afternoon. As he talked, I obliged and took the sweater off, my arms stinging from the cold. As Mike yelled, “Gimme that thing!” I found his jacket flying in the air towards me. “Put that on, but don't go home with it, or my wife will kill me!” It all happened so fast that at the time I did not know what to make of it. I would later come to know that with Mike, feeling embarrassed and feeling loved were two sides of the same coin.
Two years later, during my senior fall, with football in my rear view mirror, I was cooling down at Chestnut Ridge with Mike, mere moments from sharing donuts and juice with my teammates and the girls from Sacred Heart. As we jogged Mike began to compliment me on how I had come a long way from the frightened, self-conscious boy in the white wool sweater. He was right, and I knew it. In the spirit of the moment, I told him how grateful I was for his guidance, and for the example my brother Tom, and his teammates Jim Kempf and Todd Grady had set for me. Well within earshot of the lodge and the girls from Sacred Heart, it was as though I had unknowingly flipped some switch, because without warning, there was the crazy, yelling, gesticulating mad man from my freshman year. “Damnit Ray, you did this yourself!” Panting as he yelled (thank goodness the last stretch to the lodge is uphill), “When you step on the line, when you go off to college, when you go through life, you better see that it's YOU who are responsible for all these good things that are happening for you! It's YOUR hard work, YOUR dedication that makes all of this possible!” Dumbfounded, I sheepishly gave him a simple and puzzled, “Okay,” as we walked the last bit to the picnic tables atop the toboggan hills. Seconds later, before I could drown my confusion in a french cruller and red bug-juice, Mike pulled me aside and put his arm around me. “I have to yell at everyone once a year, and I didn't think you were going to give me too many opportunities. But really, you have to own these things, the good and the bad, if you want to be good at something. And I want you to be really good at lots of things.”
That season the team took a trip to a invitational at SUNY Cobleskill. Overnight trips with Mike were nothing short of revelatory. Just thinking of him trying to eat off a plate as the waitress attempted to take it away is enough to send me into a fit of laugher over twenty years later. We slept, it seemed, about five guys to a bed, with Mike on the floor in front of the door to ensure no one tried to sneak out in the middle of the night. The race itself is only memorable to me because two miles into it I was way out in front, certain to win. Moments later I passed a disinterested course marshal who never told me to take a turn towards the finish. A quarter mile later I realized I had made a wrong turn. Eventually I found my way back to the turn, frantic and angry. I finished the race, ending up in something around fifteenth place. The team won the race, but I brooded. In typical fashion, Mike, grinning ear to ear, came up to me after the race to offer me some solace. “I have this friend in China. I'll give him a call and tell him to send me the newspaper when your wrong turn makes the front page there!” It was exactly what I needed to hear.
Mike loved St. Joes. He loved Caz Park and grilling hotdogs. He loved the effect being a part of a team could have in forming who we would all become as adults. Mike was passionate (there is a reason why just about all of his quotes end in an exclamation point!), inspirational, compassionate, and the best teacher, mentor and coach a teenage boy could have. You could not go a season, a week or a day around Mike without being affected by him in a positive way. My hope is that because of our experience with Mike we are all striving to do the same in our communities today. There would be no better way for Jesus to live in our hearts forever.
Ray Appenheimer, SJCI class of 1990
Jerry Scharf
May 17, 2012
I had the pleasure of knowing Coach Diggins both as a student at Bishop Turner and as a dad at St. Joe's Collegiate and I have to say he was a great guy. At Turner, he encouraged me to tryout for the track team and once I did, he pushed me to be better than I thought I could be. When my boys attended St. Joes, he would kiddingly ask "where are my potato pancakes?". One year at the St Joe's Sports Night, I surprised him with an order. His response was, 'You know I was only kidding about that.' He was genuinely embarrassed. We had a good laugh and the joke continued until my boys graduated. I always enjoyed being around him and I will always miss him. Our sincerest sympathy to the Diggins family. Jerry and the Scharf Family
May 17, 2012
May Coach Diggins rest in peace - he was a valued mentor of young men, who brought out the best in you no matter what talent level as a runner you where.My times a Turner will be remembered by his style and ability to bring the best out of you
Rest in Peace Coach
Paul W. Vaughn Turner '73
Bob LaBarbera
May 17, 2012
Mike was not just an outstanding coach & leader, he genuinely cared about the kids. Even though the events were extremely competetive, Mike's sense of humor was never compromised. He will be missed. Our prayers are with him and the family. Bob LaBarbera-Cardinal O'Hara H.S.1987-2000
Ron Hochmuth
May 17, 2012
...the circle of life. I received a phone call from my son announcing the birth of my 2nd grandson and 10 minutes later I open an e-mail from a friend notifying me that Coach Diggins had passed. The emotion that got the better of me that day was Mike's death. I am sure it was because I never truly got to thanked him for all he did to make me the person I became. Coach told me I was college material when I doubted myself and so off I went to North Carolina. Coach inspired me to become a teacher and I have been in education now 37 years. Coach made me want to give back to other young runners what he had given me -so I too became a coach. Any obstacle that presented itself in my life after high school was handled because Coach Diggins instilled in me fortitude, courage, character, determination and in his own unique way - love. He would not let us quit on ourselves and that lesson remains with me to this day as a soon to be retired principal at Alexandria CSD. Mr. Diggins' legacy lives in each person who life he touched. Thank you Coach Diggins. I owe you so much.
Bishop Turner class of '71
Ken Gaume ' 98
May 17, 2012
Coach had a profound influence on my life. I had the honor and privilege to be coached by him in the High Jump. The whole experience left with me with so many fond memories and life lessons learned that I still carry today. I will forever be grateful for everything he gave me and I am a better person for having been influenced by him. My prayers and sympathies go out to the Diggins family.
Daniel Menza '91
May 17, 2012
Mr. Diggins was a great mentor and teacher at SJCI. He will be missed dearly, one thing he always said when we would tease him about his pink shirt was "Men don't wear pink it is salmon" Rest in Peace!
Bob Zotara
May 17, 2012
Mr. Diggins (as we called him at Bishop Turner HS) was the BEST coach I ever had. He pushed me to limits I never thought were possible. I took those lessons from track and still apply them in my life today. I will always remember his drive and commitment to excellence.
Bob Zotara
Bishop Turner Class of 73
Michael O'Sullivan
May 17, 2012
I am very saddened to hear about this great loss. Mr. Diggins was a wonderful mentor and coach to me. I will keep the Diggins family in my thoughts and prayers.
John Elias
May 17, 2012
In my first job, I was asked to describe the teacher who taught me the most important lessons. The expected answer was an engineering professor from college, but I talked about all I learned from Mike Diggins. He taught me to focus on goals and believe in myself, but also how to ride the ups and downs we all face. I would like to thank the Diggins family for the family time he sacrificed to run us through Chestnut Ridge on Saturdays, drive us all over New York for races, and stay with us late after school. Mike will be greatly missed.
John Elias, SJCI '85
James Headd
May 17, 2012
Dear Diggins' Family
I would like send my deepest condolences for the loss of Mr.Diggins. He was my teacher and friend at St. Joe's in the mid 90's. One of my favorite memories of Mr. Diggins was when I asked him if he took a vacation, and he said “Jimmy, why would I leave heaven?”(Of course he was talking about his beloved south Buffalo.) He always gave me a little extra attention being from the south towns. He frequently brought a smile to my face, calling my brother and I the “mayors of north and south Clinton St”. May he rest in eternal peace in his south buffalo heaven. He is missed. God bless.
Jim Headd SJCI 97'
Glenn & Mary Pasier
May 17, 2012
The sad new reached us here in Las Vegas. Our sincerest condolences to the Diggins family.
While in South Buffalo, we fondly recall running into Coach and Maureen during one of their many evening walks near St Martins and having lively conversations. We miss you and may you rest in peace . . .
Ann Egner (Discovery School)
May 16, 2012
Maureen, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Flo Sliwinski
May 16, 2012
May God rest your soul. Thank you for being one of those who took the time out to make a difference in my life while I was at Bishop Turner back in the seventies.
May 16, 2012
It was a privilege to have Mr. Diggins as my track coach in 1983 when he came over from Bishop Turner. I will always be grateful for his guidance and caring.
May God Bless his soul and comfort his family and friends!
Chris Busch '83 St. Joe's
Bro. Peter Killeen
May 16, 2012
Eternal rest grant unto, Mike Diggins, O Lord! May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace! I hope there's a lot of pure South Buffalo air up in heaven, Mike! God blessed the world bigtime when he sent you.
Tim Konicki
May 16, 2012
I ran for Coach at Turner HS from '71 to '75. Those years on the track and cross-country teams were four of the best. My deepest sympathies to the Diggins family. A truly wonderful man who will be remebered fondly by many.
Paul Kopfer
May 16, 2012
A great coach and a great guy. He will be well remembered by many. My deepest condolences to the Diggins family.
Frank Palisano
May 16, 2012
Dear Diggins Family:
I am truly sorry for your loss. Mr. Diggins was a great teacher and even better man. He was so adept at putting a smile on your face no matter what the situation. He is one of the main reasons I decided to go into the teaching profession. May his great spirit and integrity live on...SJCI Class of '99
sal agro
May 16, 2012
Deepest condolences for your loss.Coach Diggins was a good man,he touched the lives of numerous people,may he rest in peace. Sal Agro class of 71 B.T.H.
Cathy Ashburn(Barth)
May 16, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the Diggins Family.
The Mosca and Ashburn Family
May 16, 2012
So sorry to hear about the loss of one of the best teachers I ever had. My thoughts are with the entire Diggins family in this time of grief.
-Paul Anderson, Class of '99
Anthony Bialy
May 16, 2012
So sorry for your loss. Everyone connected with Saint Joe's affirms that Mister Diggins will always remain universally beloved due to his affably quick-witted nature. I feel blessed to have been coached by someone whose fantastic won/loss record was matched by his success leading young men to strive for their utmost. I would have never been involved in cross country and track without his influence, and I'm grateful to have been guided by a wonderful teacher and person. Now, Heaven is even more like South Buffalo.
Bryant S Littlejohn
May 15, 2012
To the entire family of Michael Diggins, I'd like to extend my condolences from myself and my family. Mr. Diggins was extremely instrumental in my life and his guidance and wisdom has been the core of my life since graduating from Bishop Turner. He was an exemplary Coach, Mentor, Teacher and Friend. His influence will be solely missed but as important his legacy will live on further to all he has coached, taught and befriended.
Bryant S. Littlejohn
Class of 1981; Bishop Turner
Chris Hope
May 15, 2012
Mr. D. was a great teacher and someone I modeled my teaching career after. He was a great motivator and friend to many students.
Mike and Jerry Higgins
May 15, 2012
To the Diggins family, So sorry for your loss Mike taught me a lot about running and life, my dad grew up in the Ward and always talked highly of him and his family, he will be missed by all.
Kevin Coughlin
May 15, 2012
Tim,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My family will keep yours in our prayers. He often ran past my parents house while in HS and gave me "grief" for choosing Frannies over Joes.
Paul Neuner
May 15, 2012
To Tim and the rest of the Diggins Family,
I was sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I think back to a lot of fond memories running at St. Joe's. The weekend road trips and running "mother" out at Chestnut Ridge won't be the same. Take care and you'll be in our family's thoughts and prayers.
May 15, 2012
To the Diggins Family - you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike was a wonderful teacher, coach and co-worker...with a terrific smile and great sense of humor. He was a joy to know and work with. Our sincere condolences, The Koller Family
May 15, 2012
Maureen, Julie, Mary Ellen & everyone , So sorry for your loss...Ryan's got the best coach with him now.
Molly Amigone
Bill O'Brian (St. Joe's 1969-73)
May 15, 2012
Dear Diggins Family:
I am thinking of you in this difficult time. I have nothing but fond memories of Mike and deep respect for him. I ran cross-country and track at St. Joe's while he was coaching at Turner. By my senior year, we were good buddies. He'd always greet me with a joke and a smile and say goodbye with a handshake -- win, lose or draw. What a great competitor and educator. That he later moved to St. Joe's to succeed Bob Ivory was absolutely perfect. Mike will be missed by all in the Buffalo running community.
Jeff Velarde, SJCI '07
May 15, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Diggins family and the many souls that Mike touched throughout the years. From the first cross country practice before my freshman year to his well-deserved induction to the SJCI sports hall of fame, Mike had one of the most profound impacts on my LaSallian experience. I continue to miss his humor, wit, and kind-heartedness daily. "Don't knock the rock!"
Live Jesus in our hearts...
Tom Winiewicz
May 15, 2012
Dear Diggins Family,
It's fairly obvious that your Husband and Father has touched a number of lives over the years, at both schools as well as South Buffalo.
He was a great motivator, teacher and Coach. Everyone was an equal to him. He gave encouragement to one and all as long as they practiced what he preached.
I always enjoyed bumping in to him running around the City with his charges. His big smile and always a good word.
He'll be missed in so many ways yet will be remembered by the many that he has mentored.
Sincerely,
Tom Winiewicz Bishop Turner '69
Terry Courtney
May 15, 2012
Competed against Diggs when I was at Baker and he at Timon . . . and even way back then you couldn't have met a nicer person to both compete against and just be around.
Colleen Brennan
May 15, 2012
Dear Maryellen & all the Diggins Family -
I'm saddened to learn of your loss. Your dad was such a kind soul with a wonderful sense of humor. His legacy in the SJCI and South Buffalo communities is reflected in the many posts here. His unselfish, caring and upbeat nature is a lasting gift he shared with us all and I feel lucky to have known him. God bless -
Colleen (Reddington)Brennan
Mudd Mcgrath
May 15, 2012
One of the all time best. Always a smile, loved his students and South Buffalo.You and your family will be in the McGraths prayers. Mudd
Frank Belliotti
May 15, 2012
It was 1958 and I ran against Mike who introduced himself before the race started (he from Timon, I from St Joes). What a guy. I have seen him over the years at St Joes. A real loss. He goes to his reward. God bless. Frank Belliotti
Richard Feuz
May 15, 2012
A great teacher and coach during my years at Turner in the early 1970's. His legacy in cross country and track will outlive the physical school. deepest sympathy to the family.
Dave Zajdel, BTHS '75
May 15, 2012
Characterizing Mr. Diggins simply as a coach or teacher would risk greatly diminishing his overall impact on a countless number of individuals. His presence in my life was a blessing.
Julie (McCarthy) DeCarolis
May 15, 2012
Tim, Julie and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My family will keep yours in our prayers.
John Brandl
May 15, 2012
My condolences to the Diggins family on the loss of a great man. Mr. Diggins was one of my PE teachers at Bishop Turner H.S. in the mid 70's. A great teacher, a great man. RIP. May God Bless your entire family during this difficult time.
Mark Wagner (Turner '70)
May 15, 2012
Coach Diggins was wonderful coach while I was at Bishop Turner. He always challenged us to bring out our best. Through his efforts and motivation it made me a better person. I will never forget him as a coach and mentor. My prayers to the family.
May 15, 2012
Dear Diggins Family:
I am sorry for your loss. I grew up with Mike down in the old first ward and without question he was one of the finest guys that came from there. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
John Shea Winter Haven, Fl.
Jerry Willett
May 14, 2012
To the Diggins family,Coach Diggins was a respected & good man. He taught us to work hard & never give up. He would always get us to give our all not only for ourselves but for oyr teammates & our school, I am truly sorry for your loss but it is not only your loss but our loss as well, as another great Turner man moves on to his heavenly reward. I hope that all the kind words from the Turner men help to ease your pain during your time of need. God bless & God speed Coach Diggins you will be sorely missed.
Kate Thomas
May 14, 2012
I have great memories of running at The Ridge with Mercy's team and finding Mr. Diggins there with his team. He was such a great guy and always good for a laugh. My thoughts are with the family.
mark Fahey(Turner76')
May 14, 2012
Our loss is Heavens gain. Thanks to coach Diggins for all the help at Turner back in the day. GOD BLESS!!!
Clarence Perry III
May 14, 2012
Coach Diggins was a kind, wonderful and caring man. He was my track coach at Bishop Turner in the 70's. I learned a lot from him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Coach was truly a inspration on my life.
Joe Rennie
May 14, 2012
Had Mr Diggins for Phys Ed and Typing at St Joe's a great guy I am so sorry for your loss, Joe Rennie class of 1984.
Laura Prabucki
May 14, 2012
Dear Diggins family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Diggins' friendly face and smile was always a welcome sight in South Buffalo, St. Martin's parish and at cross-country meets where he would cheer on us Mercy girls.
May all the wonderful memories you have help you through this time.
Chris Jones
May 14, 2012
Mr. Diggins was my PE teacher at Bishop Turner in the late 70's. He was a good man who so many young men looked up to. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Trent Voelll
May 14, 2012
To The Diggins Family:
Mr. Diggins was my gym teacher as well as health teacher when I was at SJCI. He had the best sense of humor and was always busting my chops for wearing pastel colors and being from Williamsville. He may be gone but will always live in my memories. May God grant eternal rest unto him and may His eternal light shine upon him. Rest in Peace Mr. Diggins!
Katie (Burns) Giardina
May 14, 2012
To the Diggins Family,
I am so sorry about your Dad's death. I didn't know he was sick and was surprised when I heard the news. When I think of your Dad, I picture him running with Timmy or walking with your Mom down Abbott. I only had the opportunity to meet him a couple of times, but he was always so kind. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers...
Sincerely,
Justin Wedgewood
May 14, 2012
I am so sorry for the loss. I have fond memories of him at St Joe's and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Jeffrey Holt
May 14, 2012
Mike Diggins' had an indelible impact on students, colleagues, and athletes within the SJCI community. His humility, positive outlook, advice, and passion for life was an inspiration to many. I am fortunate to have had him in my life as a mentor and coach. God Bless.
Campanella Family
May 14, 2012
To The Diggins Family: We are extremely sorry for your loss. He was a great man and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Andy Chambers
May 14, 2012
Diggins Family,
I was deeply saddened when I had heard of Coach Diggins passing. Out of all the teachers and coaches I have ever had, he looked out for my interests the most. Whenever I needed help he always had the time. I'll never forget him calling my house on a snow day to get our track practice in. Those were some of the best times I had at St. Joe's. I am very sorry for your loss as I know he has touched many in the St. Joe's community.
Mike Daigler
May 14, 2012
To the Diggins family:
I am sorry for your loss. He was a teacher to me at SJCI and a good coach when I ran Cross Country. May God guide you throughout this loss.
Dan Hurley
May 14, 2012
I grieve as a St. Joe's guy who knew Mike only as a competitor. I was thrilled when he came to St. Joe's as probably the only person who could have stepped into Bob Ivory's shoes
Joseph Cosgrove
May 14, 2012
Dear Maureen and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of Mike. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Joe has many great memories of growing up with Mike and he always had a smile and a story when we ran into him at Irish Classical Theater.
Sincerely,
Patti & Joe Cosgrove
Kim and Rich Fay
May 14, 2012
So sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Charlie LeFevre
May 14, 2012
My condolences to the Diggins family. Mr. Diggins was one of my favorite teachers at St. Joe's, and definitely the funniest. Mr. Diggins had such a great sense of humor and was always quick to help anyone out who was struggling.
Brian Hayden
May 14, 2012
As a freshman starting out at St. Joe's, sports were not my strong suit and gym class initially made me nervous. But Mr. Diggins' sense of humor and personality made it enjoyable. He treated all of his students with respect, regardless of their abilities (and didn't hold it against me that I was from North Buffalo). His spirit was such a part of the "St. Joe's experience." Rest in peace.
Ashley Riordan
May 14, 2012
Julie and Family,
I am sorry for your loss. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Ashley and Brian Riordan
Cindy Duggan-Logsdon
May 14, 2012
Our thoughts & prayers are with your family this time.
The Duggan Family Tim, Rick, Brian & Cindy Logsdon
Patrick Corbett
May 14, 2012
To call him "Coach" doesn't quite do it justice. Coach Diggins was a coach, teacher, friend and mentor to all of us he committed to coach. He pushed me to limits I didn't know I had because he believed in me even when I didn't. His influence will live on through his former athletes such as myself as we try to emulate him in coaching and teaching and mentoring the children we now work with. Coach, you will be missed. God Bless! Pat Corbett SJCI '84
Rich & Steve Lorenzo
May 14, 2012
Dear Diggins Family,
Mike was a dear friend, one of the nicest guys I've known. He was a customer of ours for as long as I remember and taught my son at St. Joe's. Having just gone through this ourselves, I know words can't make the pain go away. We will always remember Mike with a smile on our faces, he was one of a kind. Our prayers are with your family. It was our pleasure to have him as a friend. Rest in peace, my friend.
Keith Siler
May 14, 2012
Julie, Tim and Diggins Family,
So very sorry to hear about your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
Carl Skompinski
May 14, 2012
My condolences go out to the Family and Friends of Coach Diggins. Coach was a wonderful man who brought out the best in all that knew him. I have fond memories of my time at Bishop Turner ('77) under his guidance. He was a great mentor and coach. He instilled in each of us a sense of fair play and competitive spirit whether it was in a practice, track meet - or All Catholic meet. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of his runners and challenged us to be the best we could be. Thanks Coach Diggins for your mentoring and support. You will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.
May 14, 2012
Sad... I am wearing a pink shirt and will keep my hands in my pockets as much as I can in honor of him. Great human being; I'll miss this guy! :(
mike O
May 14, 2012
Mr Diggins was one of my favorites at St. Joe's. Always good for a laugh and a smile.
John Bisci
May 14, 2012
To the Diggins family, I am sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. From a Turner class of 1974 student.
Anne-Marie Zelazo
May 14, 2012
Maryellen, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. You can take comfort in knowing your dad is now at peace and watching over all of you.
May God Bless all of You.
Mark Molenda
May 14, 2012
Mr. Diggins an outstanding man and educator!
Kevin Cotter
May 14, 2012
Coach Diggins was one of the finest role models. He inspired generations of young men. My deepest condolences to the family. It was a great honor and privilege to be coached by such a stalwart leader. I remember him saying that "the weather was ALWAYS sunny in South Buffalo" no matter what rain/snow was blanketing Kenmore.
Laura Santiago
May 14, 2012
Julie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am saying special prayers for you and your family during this time.
Paul Ryerson
May 14, 2012
I had the privilege of running for Mr. Diggins at St. Joe's. Mr. Diggins was a great teacher, coach, and friend. He was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.
Colleen Coster
May 14, 2012
Dear Julie and Family,
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your father. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Stanley Collesano
May 14, 2012
Dear Diggins family:
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. It is with a heavy heart that I type these words for a man that has meant so much to so many. The WNY running community lost one of its greatest coaches. For those of us to have been blessed and honored to be his athletes, we lost a coach, a mentor and most importantly friend. He will be missed and he will forever live in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God rest your soul Coach.
Gene Pohancsek
May 14, 2012
Mr. Diggins was a great man with a great spirit. He was one of my favorite teachers and always supported all St. Joe's Athletes. He always had time to talk, mentor and know the students on a personal level. He will be missed... however his spirit was strong and will live on forever!
Scott Attea
May 14, 2012
One of the most fun and funniest teachers Ive ever had. St Joes would not have been the same without him. His quips and quick wit live on in the memories of all his students.
Tom Courtney
May 14, 2012
Mike was a good runner, a great coach and an exceptional person. A good friend and former team mate at MSU, never had a bad word for anybody, always a pleasure to see and talk to, he will be missed by all.
Nathan Harpster
May 14, 2012
To the Diggins family my deepest sympathies. I remember Mr. Diggins fondly from the many hours spent with him on the track, though I didn't know it at the time he was not only building muscles for racing he was also building character and discipline. Traits which far outlasted my time on the cinders behind St. Joes. Good Bless and thank you Mr. Diggins
Brother Ken Kalinowski, FSC
May 14, 2012
A great man, kind - always a smile and wore the heart of South Buffalo on his sleeve! Took the time to always share a kind word and a laugh! St. Joe's was Blessed to have him! Live Jesus in Our Hearts! Forever!
Tim Neuner
May 14, 2012
Mr. Diggins' passing saddens me, as he was a great man. He was my coach and teacher at St. Joe's, and will always be remembered for his humor and adoration for God's country. Everyone whom he came in contact with is a better person for knowing him, and he will be missed.
Pat Lennon
May 14, 2012
Dear Diggins Family:
I deeply sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to be a student of his at St. Joe's. But, it was even better to see him over the years since high school, a great guy, always with a big smile and making laughter. May God bring you all comfort.
The Neil McKeague Family
May 14, 2012
Dear Maureen and Family :
Please accept my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences on the loss of your dear husband and father. He was such a nice person with such a magnetic personality. I know when my Dad was alive and on his "scooter" in the park he and Dad would have such great conversations about the "Good Old Days" whenever we would meet. Please know that you all will remain in our thoughts and prayers in these most difficult days ahead.
Sincerely,
Karen McKeague &
Rich Sampson
May 14, 2012
Mr. Diggins was my gym teacher my sophomore and senior years at SJCI, and was one of my favorites. We always enjoyed his quick wit and South Buffalo pride, and looked out for everyone. We're all better for having known him.
John Feuz
May 14, 2012
My prayers to the Diggins Family. Mike was my PE teacher at Bishop Turner HS in the 70's. I rann cross country one year to get in shape for basketball season as a few of us always did. He pushed us to the limit with our running and helped us grow as young men despite our overwhelming immaturity. I am he sure he will ne missed by his family and all those young people he coached over the years
God Bless, John Feuz Turner class of 1976
Showing 1 - 100 of 107 results
Make a Donation
in J. DIGGINS's name
Memorial Events
for J. DIGGINS
How to support J.'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor J. DIGGINS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
