State Senate Honors the Life of Merrick’s Jack Diamondstein

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 24^th 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. 

                                                                        ####

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.