Joseph H. Diamond

of Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away of natural causes at his home on November 12, 2020, shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Elva, son Mark (Dora), daughter Rachel “Rusty” (Gary), and granddaughters, Lauren (Brett) and Cara.

Joe, as he was known to many, was born in Camden, N.J. in 1920 and attended Camden High School. After graduating high school he enlisted in the army, serving as a medic during WWII and received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His platoon, the Timberwolves, suffered many casualties and Joe saw the worst of them. Joe rarely spoke about the war until recently, when interviewers from the Holocaust Museum, the Philadelphia Inquirer and other institutions sought him out as a first-hand witness to World War II.

After serving in the military, Joe enjoyed a successful career as an insurance salesman. But Joe’s non-work activities were his real passion. He was fluent in Yiddish, which he taught informally, and was instrumental in helping the Jewish Federation relocate many Jewish families from Russia, into communities in Philadelphia and South Jersey. Joe loved classical music, cooking, crossword puzzles, traveling, and watching the Eagles. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a good friend to many. Joe will always be remembered as the person who could light up a room with his sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited Monday beginning 10:30 AM to PLATT MEMORIAL CHAPELS, Inc., 2001 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ where funeral services will begin promptly at 11:00 AM. Interment Crescent Memorial Park, Pennsauken, NJ.