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Walter Diamond Obituary
Walter (Walt) Diamond, the iconic decorative kitchen and bath retailer who co-founded Snyder Diamond over 64 years ago, has died. He was 85. Diamond passed away Tuesday July 30, 2013 at his home in Palm Springs.
Born in Chicago in 1927, Walter Diamond moved to Los Angeles in 1935 at the age of eight. He grew up in the Boyle Heights section of LA and attended Fairfax high school. Wanting to defend his country after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Diamond enlisted into the Navy at the young age of 17 and was called into active duty in March of 1945.
Diamond's mastery of merchandising was legendary, and he is regarded as a true industry pioneer credited with expanding the use of modern kitchen and bath vignette display. Snyder Diamond showrooms were among the first to showcase full bathroom presentations, including vanity and medicine cabinets, with decorative faucets displayed as a coordinated bath furnishings package. As one of the first showroom owners to introduce European faucets to the marketplace, Diamond helped create a reputation for unique product lines and innovation which remains a Snyder Diamond hallmark.
For more than half a century, Snyder Diamond has been an institution in Southern California and is regarded as one of the best kitchen and bath showrooms in North America.. Today it is considered the go-to kitchen and bath resource for designers, architects and homeowners. Diamond and businessman Lou Snyder formed their original partnership in the mid 1950s which endured until Snyder's untimely death in 1996. The company still maintains its original Santa Monica location along with showroom locations in Pasadena and North Hollywood.
Walt's enduring legacy is Snyder-Diamond (still family run and operated) and with all the people whose lives he touched both personally and professionally during his long life. Walt is survived by his wife Sharon (Sheri), his three sons, Jeffrey, Russell and Glenn and daughter Tamara.
A celebration honoring the life of Walter Diamond will be held at their Santa Monica showroom on August 25th. Please call the store for info. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in his name to WeSpark (wespark.org) the cancer support center or to the City of Hope.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Diamond
Morrigan Di Pietro
September 24, 2023
Walt Diamond was a true gem.
September 3, 2013
Dear Sheri
I was just flipping thru the Jewish Journal and Walter's photo struck out at me. wow, the years since Malibu sure went fast. how fondly I remember you and Walter and your warmth and welcome to me and my children at a time of challenge and life transition. going out to dinner or just hanging out was always comfortable and felt like family. My thoughts go out to you and please convey to Jeff also, at this most difficult time. May you find comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and know sorrow no more. only Joy and gladness of heart all of your days. May this Rosh Hashanah bring joy and happiness to you and family and peace to the world.
Jack "skip" Scapa and family
Jodi Lee-Vallejos
August 27, 2013
I first want to thank Walt, Lou, Russ and others for the career I have had for almost 30 years. My deepest sympathies to Sherrie and all of Walt's family. Walt hired me 4 different times and I do not know where I would be if it wasn't for Walt believing in me and the many chances he gave me to suceed. I will never forget the kind, loving and giving man. Bye Walt, you will be missed but everyday I look around and I am surrounded by your legacy. Forever grateful!
Jodi
Martha Orellana
August 26, 2013
My deepest sympathy to all family members. Walter was a true pioneer and the K&B industry owns him a debt of gratitude for his foresight and generosity. I personally appreciated his kindness and willingness to try and advocate for the latest advances and innovations- He leaves a great legacy and shall forever endure in our hearts.
Jerrod Consoli
August 26, 2013
My condolences to the family and peers, he will be missed. I have a deep appreciation for the legacy he has left us. He had a very joyful presence and always left a memorable impression. For that I thank you!
Suzette Fowler
August 25, 2013
It was my pleasure to know him and I'm truly sorry the world lost such a wonderful man. Prayers to all of the family members.
Tami Cope-Jones
August 25, 2013
Sheri, Russ, Jeff and Glenn, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Walt has had a very special place in my heart for so many many years, although we hadn't talked in many years, I have thought of him often with the fondest of memories. Walt will be greatly missed by all who had the chance to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sue Cope
August 24, 2013
My deepest condolences for your loss.
Barbara Maccarillo
August 20, 2013
Sheri - I will miss Walter. I looked forward to the few words of greeting we shared at the DFS screening & at the Film Festival. he was always so pleasant. His successes in business and in life speak to his character and intelligence. I knew him as soft spoken and friendly, with a nice smile for everyone. That's how I'll remember him.
With the support of your family and many friends you will get through this sad time. You pop up in my life at unexpected times & in unexpected places. That's the beauty of living in a small town. Until we see each other again, take care & be well. With my sincerest condolences to you & to the family.
August 16, 2013
Dear Sheri and Family,
We were saddened to hear the news about Walter. We miss seeing you both at the movie theatre. Please know that our love and thoughts are with you and your family.
Love,
Dee and Marv Helfgott
Regina Mcgrath
August 15, 2013
Dear Sheri & Families,
Danny and I are so sorry for your great loss. We will cherish our dinner conversation with you too, last August at Dean's birthday party. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Regina and Danny Mcgrath
August 15, 2013
Sheri, Bruce and I send our deepest sympathies to you, Tamara, and the family for your loss. We loved Walter as a Neighbor and friend and although our get toghethers were infrequent, he always welcomed us with open arms. he will be missed.
August 14, 2013
Sheri, Walter was always a comfort to me as he attended Shiva minyans for my father and mother. I will always remember his soft caring nature as he spoke with us at those difficult times. He will be truly missed. Love Shelley Winnick
Jorie Parr
August 14, 2013
Sheri, so sorry for your loss and your suffering at this awful time. What a wrench. But hang in there; you are a born survivor.
Love, Jorie and Gordon Parr
Ani & Raffi Dermenjian
August 13, 2013
Our Deepest Condolences to his wife Sheri Diamond, Walter will be missed greatly and remembered as an amazing man.
August 13, 2013
Dear Sheri
My thoughts & prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Walt was a great boss & I enjoyed our years together.
Love
Linda Jacobs
Dan & Evelyn Bienenfeld
August 13, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bill Harris
August 12, 2013
Sheri -- Again, our sincere sympathies on the loss of the wonderful Walter... our neighbor, pal, fellow movie buff... and your #1 fan.
Love,
August 12, 2013
My thoughts are with you at this time. Walter was one special person. Bill Frankenstein
Jack Freytag
August 12, 2013
Sheri,
Although we didn't see Walter often, he was a special man. We miss him and wish you comfort in this time of sorrow.
Jack and Carol Freytag
Desiree & Fridolin Gerhardt
August 12, 2013
Dear Sheri,
we are so sorry for your great loss. Walter was a wonderful person. Love & prayers from all of us at Pinocchio's,
Desiree & Fridolin
Fred & Linda Patrick
August 12, 2013
We will always remember Walter, Sheri, and Tamy as our next door neighbors in Malibu. Walter was a cool guy, great memories of the Dodger game we went to and seeing your home in Palm Springs.
Carla Mays
August 12, 2013
Sending love, hugs and prayers from the Bay Area. Tamara has shared many special and dear stories of Walter with many of us. As friends of Tamara, it was like we knew Walter. We are here for you Tamara and your family as you develop a new journey and relationship with Walter's spirit.
August 11, 2013
Sheri,
Sally and I are so sorry to hear about Walt's passing. I remember him fondly from the Desert and Snyder-Diamond when I was with the Vent-A-Hood Company. Please pay our respects to your family and particularly to Russ.
Marvin Markson
August 11, 2013
Walter, you were all too briefly a part of my life, but you leave such fond memories. I will miss you. Sheri, you know my heart aches for you. I am so sorry for your great loss.
With love to both you and Walter,
Linda
Rodney Blauer
August 11, 2013
Hi Sheri,
Please let me know when you are having the Memorial for Walter. Harriet and I send our sincere [email protected]
August 10, 2013
Our sympathy goes out to Sheri and the entire Diamond family. We so fondly remember seeing an talking to Walter the many years we all attended the Palm Springs International Film Festival. He will be greatly missed.
Todd Wralstad & Curtis Alexander
Marlee Beyda
August 10, 2013
I met Walter because his daughter Tamara became my friend. That was in the early 80s. What I saw in Walter was a man who was very generous and loving to everyone he came in contact with. I am fortunate to be one of those people. I am grateful to have known Walter because what he leaves with me is the hope that I can be more like him.
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