Bill "Coach" Diambri

Bill "Coach" DIAMBRI Bill Diambri, born on July 22nd, 1929 in Renton, WA passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, August 20th. He was the son of John Diambri from Milan, Italy and Griselda (Bonfiglio) Diambri from Genoa, Italy. Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years Ione (Johnson) Diambri, who he married on March 17th, 1951 in Renton. He is also survived by his son John W. Diambri, his daughter-in-law Alice (Puhich) Diambri, and his grandchildren Sarah and Michael Diambri of Gig Harbor, WA. Also surviving him are his brother Victor Diambri and sister Irene Brainard of Renton, WA along with numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister Lena (Diambri) Tomich of Renton, WA. Bill was a lifetime resident of Renton, graduating from Renton High School in 1947. He graduated from Western in 1951, and went on to obtain his Masters of Education from Seattle University in 1966. He met his loving and devoted wife Ione at Western Washington University in Bellingham, and they lived most of their adult life in the house they built in Monterey Terrace. On March 26, 1963 their son John was born and quickly became the light Bill's life. Coaching and football were a lifelong passion for Bill. He coached at Garfield High School in Seattle from 1958 - 1968, and at Hazen High School in Renton from 1969 until 1971. In 1972, he became the first football coach at Lindbergh High School in Renton, where the school's first football team established a tradition of success for many future teams by completing an undefeated season. Bill's players were very devoted to him. He was proud to lead young men to both victory on the football field and in establishing a foundation for personal success in life. Many of his former players who went on to significant achievements in athletics, business or other endeavors have frequently mentioned the influence Bill had on their lives. Bill regularly attended St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Renton. He continued to meet every Wednesday morning with many colleagues at Tommy's restaurant. He especially looked forward to the group's annual prediction of the next Seahawk's season record, and enjoyed his status as two-time defending champion. Coach Diambri will be missed dearly by many. A Mass of Christian burial will be 12:00 Wednesday August 25, at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church 13055 S.E. 192nd Renton, WA 98058. (425) 631-1940. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. A reception will follow the mass at St. Stephen. Memorial donations may be made to Coach Diambri Scholar Athlete Memorial Fund (checks made to CDMF) 7805 31st St. Court NW. Gig Harbor, WA 98335. Online memorials may be posted @ mem.com. Arrangements made by Faull-Stokes Mortuary, Renton 425-255-8281