Joseph A. Diamond

Joseph A. Diamond Sr. passed away peacefully at home on October 11, 2024.

A Philadelphia native, Joe moved to Williamstown, NJ and became a lifelong resident. He was born on November 15, 1941, to Joseph and Catherine (Bernheimer) Diamond and is predeceased by his brother Ed (Peg). Joe graduated from North Catholic High School in 1959. He remained a proud Falcon throughout his entire life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jeanie (nee Miller) and 3 children, Joseph Jr, Jeanine (Bobby) and Michael. Joe is also survived by a sister Kathleen and a brother Robert (Anne). He will be deeply missed by his close sisters-in-law, Jacquelynn and Trish. And he is remembered by numerous nieces and nephews, especially Kim and Robyn, who lovingly tended to his needs during hospice care.

Joe had a love of working on the water and began his career at Tidewater Grain in Philadelphia. After the closing of the grain company, he was employed at South Jersey Port Corporation in Camden until he retired in 2012. He loved working at the Port. And equally enjoyed supervising his crew and working on the Delaware River. His appreciation of ships culminated as he helped guide the Battleship New Jersey into Camden to her permanent berth. After retirement, Joe served as a Trustee for the Cathy Miller Cancer Fund. His dedication was steadfast as he volunteered to stuff envelopes, go to the post office and even attempt to assemble raffle baskets! His support of cancer patients at the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge in Philadelphia was undaunted.  So many lives were touched by his commitment to help others.

Joe was a true Irishman in every sense of the word. His Irish heritage was deeply important to him. He was proud to be Irish and many years ago ventured to Ireland to locate family. His mission was successful and even today a tight family bond continues to exist. But nothing topped the Annual Irish Fall Festival in North Wildwood. As a member of the Irish American Brigade, we would marvel at his enthusiasm each year whether he was marching in or watching the annual parade pass by. During the summer months, Joe would vacation at his Bungalow by the Bay in West Wildwood. He appreciated the warmth of Westy’s Irish Pub and the camaraderie of Moore’s Inlet. But to him, the Firehouse Tavern was “heaven on earth”.

Nicknamed the “Iron Man”, Joe had a strong work ethic.  He was a hard-working man and dedicated to his family. Joe’s soaring accomplishment in life was being a great father. The beautiful lives we live today are because of his hard work and boundless love for us. His friends say he was kind with “a smiling Irish face and a firm handshake. He was truly a good man”.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Friday, October 18th from 9:00-10:30 AM at the Bell-Hennessy Funeral Home, 420 S. Main St., Williamstown. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Peace Parish / St. Mary's RC Church, Main St. & Carroll Ave., Williamstown. Inurnment 11:00 AM Monday, October 21st at St. Mary's Cemetery, Williamstown.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Cathy Miller Cancer Fund, 711 Wildwood Ave., Williamstown NJ 08094 or @ www.cathymillercancerfund.org

The Funeral Mass Live Stream can be viewed @ https://m.facebook.com/OLOPPWilliamstown/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph A. Diamond, please visit our floral store.