Dr. Nicholas Diaco Obituary

Renowned cardiologist, Dr. Nicholas Diaco, passed away on Friday, September 21, 2018, surrounded by family, following a 6 month battle with Glioblastoma. Dr. Diaco was born in Philadelphia, PA to James and Elizabeth Diaco. After completing his undergraduate studies at Villanova University, he received his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College and was elected to the Alpha Omega National Medical Honor society. He served a tour of duty as a pilot in Vietnam before completing his internship and residency in Cardiovascular disease at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Diaco moved to Los Angeles in 1971 and initially began practicing medicine on his own. Then, in 1975, he was one of the founding doctors at Cardiology Consultants of Santa Monica, where he remained in practice, specializing in interventional cardiology, for the last 43 years until he became ill. He was Medical Director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at St. John's Hospital since 1995, Director of the Coronary Care Unit from 1984 to 1995 and was named by LA Magazine as one of the top 10 cardiologists in Los Angeles. Loved and respected by patients and colleagues alike, Dr. Diaco leaves behind a lasting legacy at St. John's. Outside the hospital, Dr. Diaco was an adored and devoted father and grandfather. He was married to Sally Hightower from 1981 to 2004 and they raised two daughters in Pacific Palisades. He was an avid golfer who considered Riviera Country Club his 'home away from home' and a die-hard fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His identical twin brother was the Buc's physician for 33 years. Cheering for their team together was one of Dr. Diaco's greatest passions. He traveled the world, was a connoisseur of fine wine and a good martini and was known for his endearing sarcasm. His zest for life, wicked sense of humor and undeniable charm will never be forgotten. Most importantly, he loved his family and friends fiercely and took care of everyone around him. The doctor who spent his entire adult life tending to hearts….had the biggest heart of all. Dr. Diaco is survived by his daughter, Nicole Diaco Burgess and stepdaughter, Kelly Bryson Pearce. His son in laws, Michael Burgess and Torrance Pearce. His grandchildren, London and Donovan Burgess and Ava and Dax Pearce. His brother Joseph Diaco and sister Betty Arthur. His nephews Daniel, Stephen and Jay Diaco and their families and nephews Brian and Scott Arthur...as well as his legion of close friends. He will live on forever in all of our hearts, in the halls of St. John's hospital and on the greens at Riviera.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Sep. 30 to Oct. 2, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Dr. Nicholas Diaco

13 Entries

Dyjil Robinson

May 9, 2025

Doctor performed a emergency heart stent procedure on me in March 2005 I was 46 at the time which was considered young for a heart attack, throughout the years I always remember how kind he was to me and he informed all the nurses and staff do not move her from this room no matter what. I just happened to find out today that he has passed away, I had googled to get my stent ID information, I will never forget him and loved reading the heartfelt eulogy I know he touched thousands I´m so grateful to have met him my prayers to your family.

Jose Juan Echeagaray

April 25, 2024

I was too young when I met Dr. Diaco in 1985 when my father was his patient and got his first bypass surgery.
My condolences for all the family, may he rest in peace.

Best

June 14, 2023

My friend Nick. Was my best of friends. One in a million: those who know him, know the treasure he was. Gin and laughs and candor. Gin- the card game. All know; those who knew him, can´t help but adore admire and miss him.

Garrett

September 24, 2020

Here I was in my mid 40’s Just lost the love of my life six months earlier I was smoking like chimney and working out as well when I started experience jaw pain, sweating, With two kids I decided to call an ambulance from the Palisades ,Paramedics asked me what hospital since my kids were born in Saint Johns that was my choice. I arrived EKG looked good heart rate was fine, than came in Dr. Diaco came in like a street wise New York detective asked me a few questions and looked at me and said I don’t like it! 30 minutes later with 90% of my left ventricle (the widow maker blocked )The doctor puts in a stent. Did I get lucky night, better believe it I had the best doctor in the world at 1 AM in the morning I was so saddened by your father’s loss, and i’m so grateful he was with me that night. I told him I’ll never smoke again, he looked at me and said those kids will miss you if you don’t.

Dr Carlo Melini

February 9, 2020

Diaco family.......deep condolences to all of you from a former classmate at Villanova and Hahneman.
Dr Carlo Melini

David Lubin, MD

January 28, 2019

I never met Nicholas but I was a colleague of his brother, Joe, in Tampa. When Joe was the Bucs' physician, he had gotten me a sideline pass to shoot pictures at a game, since I was an avid photographer. Two or three times I walked behind the Bucs' bench and shouted "Joe," but was completely ignored. Not knowing what to think, why Joe would ignore me, was puzzling. Then I settled in at the back of the end zone to shoot some pictures, looked over at the Bucs' bench, and to my amazement, there were two Joe Diacos.
David Lubin, MD

Nicole Wright

January 18, 2019

With Dr. Diaco, I always respected his opinion, and in his care, believed myself to be in good hands.

RIP, Dr D.

Patricia Marshall

October 18, 2018

It is with a sad, sad heart that I just received news of Nick's passing way to early. We both were from Philadelphia and met in the early years of my TWA career through mutual friends. He was indeed a character and I always enjoyed his company.
Sending gentle hugs and sympathy to his family both here in California and in Philadelphia. He was one of a kind and will be missed by many. Sending heavenly hugs to you Nick!

Joe Spector

October 4, 2018

I miss you, Nick.
You've been my cardiologist since you have started practice.
You have also been my friend.
We were able to be in Indian princesses with our daughters.
I've always loved hearing about your travels. My favorite travel story was when you would go to the Kentucky derby and you would sit in the million dollar suite.

Rest In Peace

Your friend,

Joe

Nicole Wright

October 1, 2018

With Dr. Diaco, I always respected his opinion, and believed myself to be in good times. RIP, Dr D.

Maria Condelli

October 1, 2018

Unforgettable Nick: My heart is broken. I will always keep you in my heart and my mind, your spirit will always be with me. My thoughts are with your loving family and friends. forever: Maria A. Condelli

October 1, 2018

Nicky Diaco was my dearest friend from
our early teenage years in Philadelphia, a witness to my whole life.
He was good and thoughtful and loving and I don't know how I would not only have thrived, but survived those times without our unique bond.
We both eventually moved to Los Angeles, me to marry at age 18 and him to practice medicine and live a big, important life while saving others.
Although we kept in touch for multiple years and he attended my first wedding and that of my daughter, it had been a very long time since we were in contact until happily one recent day, we reconnected on Instagram, of all places.
I had always planned to call Nicky over the years to arrange a date a lunch just for us, perhaps a golf game at Brentwood CC with my husband. But, all these many years surged by in a flash, that is until I read the paper yesterday when time finally stood utterly still. Indeed, my heart stopped when reading the unimaginable news of my age-old friend's passing.
I am deeply heartbroken realizing that Nicky no longer shares my city or this earth. There's no time left for me to show him the sweet 1967 letter he sent me from Thailand as a US Air Force Captain, one I'd been saving all these years for our reunion.
Nicky left before I could tell him that my life was permanently enriched for having known him, that I was truly blessed.
Please honor those who have been with you for the long haul, those who know every part of your past, those who have stood in the storm and survived. Do not wait for a more convenient time. As I did. Stay in touch and tell those you truly care about how proud you are of them because in a second, they can be gone.
I send this lovingly and with the greatest measure of sorrow to Nicky's entire family, Dale (Benjamin) Sessa

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