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Jerome Diamond Obituary
October 17, 1915 – October 19, 2015
Having celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends Jerome Diamond exited gracefully two days later. Jerry dedicated his life to making the world a better place for children, adolescents and women. Before coming to Canada, he was the Director of the Bronx Jewish Family and Child Services. From 1959 – 1981 Jerry served as Executive Director of the Jewish Family and Child Service in Toronto. In the 1970s he founded Centre Shelanu, later named the Jerome D. Diamond Centre for Adolescents, which provides counselling, education and a safe haven. A proud Jew who leaned to the left, Jerry wrote, "Social justice, which has a deep relationship to the Will of the Almighty, Blessed be His Name, demands unremitting attention to narrowing the gap between arbitrary power, and the rational use of authority on behalf of all the people in society." He forged alliances between Jewish, Catholic, indigenous and secular social services and consulted in the development of the Family Law Reform and the Young Offenders Acts. Jerry was a vivacious and humorous raconteur who loved to banter and debate. He was athletic and musical - a virtuoso violinist and mandolin player, and in later life an air pianist and songster. He served in the first integrated regiment of the US Corps of Engineers in WWII as a Major, designing, building and delivering the landing craft that carried the tanks and heavy artillery to Omaha Beach on June 7, 1944, hence receiving the Bronze Star. He was predeceased by his wives Mary Swit Diamond and Sheila Senderowitz Diamond, and sisters Anne Elpern and Sylvia Manasse. He is beloved by his daughter Sara Diamond (Kellie Marlowe); son Larry Diamond (Yvonne) and step-daughter Carla Silver (Robin), and granddaughters Marissa Diamond, Beth and Amy Silver; his sister-in-law Rose Wolfe and the many family members, friends and individuals whose lives he touched.
Funeral Service: Holy Blossom Temple Thursday, October 22nd, noon. Shiva details Benjamin's Memorial Chapel.
Donations in lieu of flowers to JFCS Jerome D. Diamond Centre
416-638-7800 X6999 or Baycrest 416-785-2875
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Diamond
4 Entries
Harvey Nagelberg
October 25, 2015
So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing last week. I worked for him at JFCS . His spirit,intelligence and humor were always uplifting and refreshing.
October 22, 2015
Dear Sara and Kelly: I was only with Jerry on a few occasions but his wit and charm has always been with me. I like to think we had a special bond. I loved him. Mom. (Kellie's mother)
Susan Kennard and Jon Ball
October 22, 2015
Dear Sara and Kellie
Our condolences on the passing of your Father (in-law). I think back fondly on the various functions and events he would attend in Banff or Toronto as your charming, quick-witted and opinionated date! He was a special man that contributed so much to the community. Take good care.
October 20, 2015
I had the great privilege of experiencing Jerry' s creative energy and generosity in program exchanges between our Bronx service agencies in the mid-50s--his Jewish Family Services and my Bronx River Y. Remarkable person and professional.--Goodwin Garfield
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