State Senate Honors the Life of Merrick’s Jack Diamondstein
February 1, 2011
Senator Fuschillo Sponsors Senate Resolution Memorializing Jack Diamondstein’s Life of Service to His Community & Country
New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that the New York State Senate recently passed a legislative resolution he sponsored honoring the life of Merrick resident Jack Diamondstein, who passed away on November 24th at the age of 67.
Mr. Diamonstein was a decorated Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War as a special forces soldier. He earned the Bronze Star with “V” for valor, the Air Medal for 25 helicopter operations, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachute Badge, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Following his military service, he was a original member and trustee of the Vietnam War Veterans Association Post 2770, as well as a member of the Bellmore American Legion Post 948. Additionally, Mr. Diamondstein served in the Merrick Fire Department for 37 years, spending several of them as Chief of the Department.
“Whether it was serving our country in the military, our veterans through service organizations, or our community as a volunteer firefighter, Jack Diamondstein dedicated most of his life to helping others. His long legacy of service is nearly impossible to match. I’m pleased that the Senate has memorialized and paid tribute to Jack Diamondstein’s many acts of service to his country and community,” said Senator Fuschillo.
With the Senate passage of the legislative resolution, Jack Diamondstein’s accomplishments and record of service will forever be part of the New York State Senate’s official record.
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Text of the resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 48
BY: Senator Fuschillo
MOURNING the death of Jack Diamondstein, decorated United States Army veteran, and 37-year member of the Merrick Fire Department
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its grateful appreciation to a veteran whose military service enhanced the quality of life for the citizens of this great Empire State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to mourn the death of Jack Diamondstein, decorated United States Army veteran, and 37-year member of the Merrick Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Jack Diamondstein of Merrick, New York, died on Wednesday, November 24, 2010, at the age of 67; and
WHEREAS, Born in Liberty, New York, Jack Diamondstein volunteered to join the United States Army at the age of 17; an extraordinary man, he was a Special Forces Soldier who was an early Green Beret advisor to Vietnam administrators during escalation of the war in the early 1960s; and
WHEREAS, The owner of Dr. Jack's Auto Repair in Bellmore, Jack Diamondstein was an original member of and a trustee of the Bellmore-based Vietnam War Veterans Association Post 2770, and a member of the Bellmore American Legion 948; in addition, he served 37 years with the Merrick Fire Department, several of them as its fire chief; and
WHEREAS, Jack Diamondstein looked upon the Army as the best time of his life, and was proud to serve his country and help the South Vietnamese in their fight against Communism; he was the recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, the Parachute Badge, Bronze Star with "V" for valor, the Air Medal for 25 helicopter operations, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, to name a few; and
WHEREAS, Jack Diamondstein is survived by his wife, Sheila, and his children, Lee and Shannon; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Jack Diamondstein leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Jack Diamondstein, decorated United States Army veteran, and 37-year member of the Merrick Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Jack Diamondstein.
