LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Raymond F. Diamond Sr. posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Raymond F.
Diamond Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by
the New York State Senate, to be celebrated at the Rensselaer County
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on Monday, November 14, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 19, 1931, in Troy, New York, Raymond F. Diamond
Sr. was the son of Wesley Joseph and Genevieve Warren Looby Diamond; a
lifelong resident of Averill Park, New York, he graduated from Averill
Park High School; and
WHEREAS, Raymond F. Diamond Sr. enlisted as a member of the United
States Marine Corps on January 31, 1951, and proudly served his country
during the Korean War conflict until he was honorably discharged on
November 2, 1953; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his outstanding service, Raymond F. Diamond
Sr. was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the
Korean War Service Medal, National Defense Medal, United Nations Service
Medal as well as the Conspicuous Service Cross Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon his re-entry into civilian life, Raymond F. Diamond Sr.
returned to his hometown; he was united in marriage to Margaret "Peg"
Campbell at Sacred Heart Church in Troy, New York, on August 7, 1950;
and
WHEREAS, The couple settled into married life on Crystal Lake in
Averill Park, New York, and started a family which included seven chil-
dren, two sons, Skip and Lee, and five daughters, JoAnn, Jacqueline,
Nancy, Meg and MaryAnn; and
WHEREAS, Raymond F. Diamond Sr. supported his growing family as a
Pressman through his employment at Hudson Valley Community College from
2004 to 2009, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Print Shop from 1954 to
1955 and 1986 to 2004, Whitehurst Press from 1983 to 1986, Clarity
Publishing from 1965 to 1983, and Walter Snyder Printing from 1958 to
1965; and
WHEREAS, A vital part of his community, this remarkable man was a
lifetime member of the Sullivan Jones Veterans of Foreign War Post,
Sergeant Walter Adams American Legion Post, where he held the position
of Sergeant at Arms, Stephentown Rod and Gun Club, member and chaplain
of the Marine Corps League Troy Detachment as well as a communicant of
St. Henry's Church; and
WHEREAS, Raymond F. Diamond Sr.'s favorite pastimes included spending
time with his family, working outside around the home, ice fishing,
washing his car, reading the paper and watching Boston Red Sox games and
Pittsburgh Pirates games ; and

WHEREAS, Raymond F. Diamond Sr. died on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at
the age of 78, leaving behind his wife of 60 years; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his brothers, Paul and Jack and Jeannette
Gentry, he is survived by his wife, Margaret; his five devoted children,
Joann (George) Jeffs, Raymond "Skip", Wesley "Lee" (Bonny), Jacqueline
(Mike) Carley, Nancy (Dave) Minnich, Margaret "Meg" (the late Rob) Maier
and MaryAnn (Mike); his 13 grandchildren, James, Michael, Jessica,
Matthew, Mark, Justine, Patrick, Jeremie, Robert, Stephanie, Jeannette,
Lucas and Samantha; his three great-grandchildren, and several nieces
and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Raymond F. Diamond Sr. demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Raymond F. Diamond Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Raymond F. Diamond Sr.