Irwin Diamond

June 2, 1930 – July 7, 2021

Irwin Diamond, age 91, died on July 7, 2021 at the Kingsway Nursing Home, in Schenectady, New York.  Born and raised in Hudson, New York, Irwin was the son of Harry and Lena Diamond of Hudson.  

Irwin lived most of his life in Hudson with his loving wife of 68 years, Gloria, who preceded him in death this past January. Irwin and Gloria moved into the Beverwyck community in Slingerlands, New York, five years ago. 

Irwin graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in business. It was at SU that he met Gloria, marrying right after graduation in 1952. After living in Philadelphia while he was in the Army, they moved to Hudson where they started their family and Irwin joined the family business with his father and uncles at Columbia Auto Parts. 

Irwin was a Life Member of Congregation Anshe Emeth and served many years on the board of the synagogue. He was also a Mason and long-time member of the Hudson Lions Club, B’nai Brith and Brotherhood.

Irwin also played a key role in the redevelopment of Hudson in the 1970s, helping to come up with the iconic slogan “SPOUT,” Society to Promote Our Unique Town. In addition to contributing to the community, he also was honored by NAPA Auto Parts as being the first in their network modernizing his store concept to an open plan.   

Irwin and Gloria enjoyed traveling over the years. They loved visiting Mexico, the Caribbean islands, and traveling around the United States and Canada in an RV.  With their love of antiques, and retailing in their blood, they decided after retirement to open an antique shop in the Adirondacks. Spending their summers buying and selling antiques and collectibles, they displayed and sold their finds in the Victorian home that they renovated near Schroon Lake, calling the store Hi Tor.   

Irwin loved to drive in and around upstate New York. With a keen sense of direction, he loved to get in the car and find new towns to visit. Once he and Gloria moved to Slingerlands, Irwin would spend time finding new places to visit while acclimating to their new surroundings. Irwin was also a great baseball fan, spending many hours enjoying his NY Yankees. In his new surroundings, he contributed to the Beverwyck community as well. Everyone who came in contact with Irwin described him as “such a sweet man,” including his long-time employees and customers.

Irwin was a constant presence and devotedly cared for Gloria as her health declined, a steadfast husband and partner through it all. Following Gloria’s passing in January, Irwin had a debilitating stroke in February, not able to return to his home at the Beverwyck. Having spent the last few months in the care of Kingsway Nursing Home, his daughters were a constant presence at his side. Irwin will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Irwin is survived by his daughters, Sherry Lynn Diamond and her partner Art Feinglass of New York City, Michele Diamond Mirsky and her husband Leon Mirsky of Albany, New York, Suanne Beth Diamond and her partner Rick Senger of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, his brother-in-law Zane Gubman of Boynton Beach, Florida, and nieces Sima, Risa, and nephew David. He is also survived by a host of loving cousins who were in constant contact, especially during his final months. Nothing was more important to Irwin than his family. His daughters also want to thank all those who cared for him, especially his aide Nancy at Kingsway, Diane Williams of Troy and all the caring professionals at Kingsway and The Community Hospice.

The memorial service will be held at Bates & Anderson Funeral Home, in Hudson, New York on Friday, July 9th, at 11:00 am, with interment to follow at Cedar Park Cemetery. The family will be holding visiting hours at Congregation Anshe Emeth immediately following the graveside service, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Anshe Emeth at 240 Joslen Boulevard, Hudson, New York, 12534. 

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