Thomas Montgomery Diamond

Tom was born on April 9, 1959, to the parents of John J Diamond, Jr., and Anna Elizabeth Diamond (Betty) in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Tom lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, devotion, and humor. He was known for his “beautiful” smile and absolutely loved making others smile. Tom had a heart of gold and was always just a phone call away, ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. There’s nothing he enjoyed more than the presence of his family and friends. He was blessed to have had them in his life.

Tom graduated from Neshaminy High School in 1977. He was involved in many activities: track, cross country, wrestling, football, concert choir, band, and Gym Night. He attended Grove City College for three years as an engineering/math major and met the love of his life Janice (Jan) Wilke. He transferred back to Levittown and eventually finished his BA degree in History at the University of New Jersey (Trenton State College) with a Cum Laude honor.

During his college years, he worked as a maintenance mechanic, assistant superintendent, and superintendent at Foxwood Manor Apartments (NCHP). He married his soulmate Jan when he finished his college degree and was assistant superintendent (1984). Jan moved from Wexford, Pennsylvania, and became a middle/junior high school for the Council Rock School District. After Tom and Jan had their boys, Tom decided it was time for a job change. He was hired as a maintenance mechanic for five elementary schools at Council Rock School District. He was eventually assigned to Hillcrest Elementary School (his “Happy Place”), and next door to Jan’s school Holland Middle School. He was briefly assigned to Council Rock High School -North when he got cancer and worked there until his retirement in June 2024.

Everyone who knew Tom well was quite aware that he definitely had a great passion for boats and boating! He was a very PROUD owner of a sunfish, two Sea Ray bow riders, a Bayliner bow rider, four different jet skis, and two kayaks. He absolutely loved taking people out on his “boats”. Whether it was riding on the Delaware River to Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Ship Yard or lunch at Curtains Restaurant; tubing, water skiing, or fishing; teaching passengers to drive or sail any of his boats; or just chilling in a cove to picnic and swim.

Along with the joys of boating, he and his family learned to scuba dive, snorkel, parasail, deep sea fish and catch crabs, rent a house boat, white water raft, and trapeze on a Hobie Cat. They also traveled on many cruise ships to do various sea excursions and travel to exciting, exotic islands and places.

Tom not only loved boating, but he was a true advocate for boat safety. He became very active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary (FEMA) in the 1990’s. He taught various boating classes, patrolled the Delaware River, rescued stranded boaters, and inspected boats at the Neshaminy Creek Marina. When they went to Fripp Island, South Carolina, to visit Jan’s parents, he assisted Jan’s dad on boat rescues. Tom received many ribbons and certificates for his courageous duties as an auxiliarist.

He encouraged Jan to join the auxiliary so she could assist him manning the Boston Lighthouse twice; assisting the Coast Guard on a buoy tender boat to maintain and replace navigational buoys along the Delaware River; and provide security for the Tall Ships when they came to Delaware.

As you can see, Tom definitely was an “ole salt” at heart and will rest peacefully some day with his first mate Jan in a serene watery spot.

Tom is survived by his wife Janice (Jan), his two sons Tommy (Tom-Tom) and Jeremy; and his “daughter” Sarah (Jeremy’s wife). He is also survived by his sister-in-law Cathy Bairhalter (Rich); his brother-in-law Rick Wilke (Sassia); his four nieces, five nephews, and seven great grand nieces and nephews; and last but not least, his “adopted” brother Joe Ciafordoni.

He was predeceased by his loving parents John Diamond ,Jr, and Betty Diamond; and his sister Jane Diamond and brother John (Mike) Diamond III.

Tom’s family also included his five favorite pups: Munchkin, Buddy, Sneakers, Blue, and Sparky. He considered them as his own children/grandpups. He enjoyed taking long walks, wrestling, and playing with them around the yard. He would sneak them “forbidden snacks” from time to time when no one was looking. When he was out of the house, the dogs would all excitedly wait for him to arrive home by the front window or door. He shared an unspoken bond with each that brought both them and him lots of joy.

A memorial service celebrating Tom’s exceptional life will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 10:00 am until 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service, at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Road, PA 19056.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Tom’s memory to Abramson Cancer at the University of Pennsylvania, The American Cancer Society, or Penn State Thon- Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.