David Lee Diana

Diana, who immigrated from Italy at the turn of the twentieth century. Dave was the last to be born in this first-generation family of six boys and four girls.

He was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, on October 26, 1929. Dave and his family moved to Westchester County, New York, while Dave was still an infant. His father was a truck farmer who raised vegetables for the New York City Fresh Market. All members of the Diana family worked on the farms. He graduated from Shrub Oak High School, excelling in all sports—especially football—while balancing school with family farm chores.

After high school, Dave followed his dream and worked for two years in the thoroughbred horse business.

In 1948, he was accepted to Cornell University, where he received his B.S. degree in June of 1952, along with earning his second lieutenant bars. Soon after, he received orders to report to Ft. Lee, Virginia, on September 8, 1952. After more training and schooling at Ft. Lee, he was ordered to join forces in the Korean War. While serving in Korea, he advanced to first lieutenant and later received the Bronze Star for meritorious service.

After being honorably discharged in 1954, Dave started his career in the food business in the New York–New Jersey metropolitan area with the Grand Union Company. He went on to management positions with food wholesalers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. While working with a food wholesaler in York, Pennsylvania, Dave met and married Mary Jane Frigone. They had a wonderful life together for 55 years until Mary Jane’s passing in 2017. God blessed them with three children: David, Gary, and Carol.

In the years that followed, Dave joined the Jewel Companies in Chicago, Illinois, where he soon became president of two of their divisions (White Hen Pantry and Eisner Food Stores). Jewel made arrangements for Dave to attend the Stanford Business Executive Program, from which he graduated in 1970. Dave was blessed with an entrepreneurial gift, and his leadership quickly took hold. While president of Eisner Food Stores, he decided to leave his corporate career when he got the opportunity to buy several of the stores from Jewel. It was a big leap of faith for Dave. He and his family then reopened these stores under their new name, “Diana Foods,” which they continued to operate until the late 1990s.

When not working, the Diana family enjoyed living in Urbana, Illinois, out in the country on twenty acres. They had many pets and farm animals, and Dave had fun raising American Saddlebred horses. His love of horses led Illinois Senator Pate Phillips to appoint him as a member of the Illinois Racing Commission. Dave was very honored by this position.

Dave was an avid reader who loved playing golf, enjoying a good cigar, and traveling the world with Mary Jane and friends.

Some 18 years ago, Dave and Mary Jane were fortunate to find residence at the Condominium on the Bay, where they enjoyed many gorgeous sunsets and met many wonderful friends.

Later in life, Dave spent time with Marilynn Lee, a widow, and her family, sharing the comfort of friendship in his final years. Spending one’s golden years with close family and friends can only be described as a gift from God. Dave cherished his home and his relationships and kept them well. He was the quiet eye of every storm weathered by his family and friends, with sharp wit, gentle dignity, and enduring charm.

Dave is survived by his daughter, Carol Padgett of Sarasota, who cared for him in his final years; and his grandsons, Parker Padgett of Los Angeles, California, and Cameron Padgett of Sarasota, who shined as the lights of his life. Also surviving are nephews Jim Diana of Venice, Florida, and Robert Diana of Virginia, and nieces Margaret Diana of Venice, Florida, Paula Cox of Alexandria, Virginia, and Carole Anne Tevault.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane; his two sons, Gary and David Lee, Jr.; his mother, Anna; his father, Andrew; and five brothers and four sisters.

In lieu of customary remembrances, a donation may be made to the charity of one’s choice.