“Speed/Steve”
Spero Diamond died peacefully at home on March 29, 2014 at the age of 93. He was born in Harrisburg in 1920 to the late George Diamond and Despina (Speliote) Diamond who were immigrants from Greece. As a youngster growing up in the city of Harrisburg, the neighborhood kids nicknamed him “Speed” because he was the fastest runner. After graduating from John Harris High School, he entered the Army Air Corp to serve in WW II. He later graduated from Shippensburg University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and then achieved his Master’s Degree in Geography from Florida State University.
His first job after graduating was as the teacher in a one room schoolhouse near Hershey. During the summer, he worked in construction and chose a career in home building. Over the years he built hundreds of homes in the Harrisburg area in developments such as Latshmere Manor, Sherwood Forest, and Sunnyland as well as the Georgetown Apartment complex. He prided in building a quality home at an affordable price.
Health and fitness were cornerstones in his life. In high school and college he ran track and cross country. Running continued to be a pastime into his adult years. While a teenager, he was exposed to the game of tennis which became a lifelong passion, both as a player and a spectator. Before the days of indoor tennis courts, he and his friend would sweep snow off of the court so that they could play in the winter. He never smoked, never drank, and always warned not to do drugs, “That’s why they call it dope”!!!
He was a member of The Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Camp Hill, PA and helped in the transition from the original location on Walnut Street in Harrisburg to Camp Hill in 1970. He taught Sunday School to 4th graders for four decades. His talent was telling Bible stories in a way that captured their attention and admiration. He described teaching Sunday School as “the best job I ever had”. Later in life, he also attended Christian Life Assembly in Camp Hill, PA.
He will be remembered as a kind and loving person who placed great importance on his faith and family. He exemplified the true American experience as a first generation immigrant who used sacrifice, a strong work ethic and self-reliance to achieve success.
He was predeceased by his brother Constantine (Charlie) in 1958 as the result of a plane crash. Surviving are his wife of 22 years Elizabeth (Light); his sister Toula Buhrman; his first wife Helen (Kaperonis) and their children George and wife Wendy, Stephanie and husband Chris Reese, and Thespina and husband Jon Spivey ; step-children Jeff Longenecker and fiancé Genny, Joyce and husband Jack Baker, Bruce Longenecker and wife Renee, Kevin Longenecker, and Jane and husband Michael Suter; 5 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren and one step-great grandchild as well and nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Friday April 4 from 4-6 pm at the Neill Funeral Home, 3401 Market Street, Camp Hill. Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1000 Yverdon Drive, Camp Hill on Saturday April 5 at 11 am with additional visitation starting at 10 am. Burial will be at Harrisburg East Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral or Christian Life Assembly.
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