HUDSON FALLS – Richard A. “Rick” Diamond, 59, of Hudson Falls, passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his loving wife, on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
Born on June 22, 1958, he was the son of Joan Ellen (Canales) Diamond and the late Robert Edward Diamond.
Rick was a 1976 graduate of Hudson Falls High School and continued his education at Adirondack Community College, where he met his wife, Jennifer Firlik. They were married June 5, 1982, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.
Rick spent his 22 year law enforcement career with the Hudson Falls Police Department, retiring as a Detective. He was very dedicated and respected by his fellow officers. Rick felt honored being able to serve his community and working alongside his law enforcement family. Currently, Rick was a School Safety Officer and formerly a CDL instructor at BOCES. He was President of the Lake George Chapter of the Road Dawgs, where he was known as “Breeze”. The group is a 100% law enforcement motorcycle club, honoring fallen law enforcement officers and holding charity events. Rick also served as The National Road Boss. He was a member of the Hudson Falls PBA. Rick loved his law enforcement career, but his family was the center of his life. He was best friend to his wife, Jennifer and a role model to his sons and his entire family. His greatest joy was being Papa to his grandchildren. He always said, “Every time they leave, my face hurts from smiling so much”. Rick cherished the friendship that he shared with his brothers and treasured the special relationship he had with his mother. His presence was always felt by the many who filled his life. Rick and Jenn lived every day to the fullest, as if it was their last. Every moment spent together will be forever cherished.
Besides his father, he was predeceased by his mother and father in law, Janet and Joseph Firlik, his brothers in law, Joseph Firlik, John Firlik, Vernon Frenia and Jim Kordziel, his sister in law, Juliet Firlik Hurley.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 wonderful years, Jennifer Diamond; his sons, Kyle Diamond and his wife, Joelle and Jason Diamond and his special daughter in law, Kate Diamond; his five grandchildren, Griffin, Raegan, Evelyn, Greyson and Knox; his mother, Joan Diamond; his brothers, Robert “JR” Diamond and his wife, Sue and Randy Diamond and his wife, Wendy; the Many J’s (Firliks); and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and his life long friend, Tim Burke and his wife, Michelle.
Calling hours for the law enforcement community will be from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, on the park in Hudson Falls.
Calling hours for the public will follow from 4 to 8 p.m., at the church.
Rick’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church.
The Rite of Committal will be in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Supports Services, 901 E. Street, N.W. Suite 100, Washington, DC 20004-2025.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
Jennifer and family,
I am so sorry to hear the news of Rick’s passing, please know I would be there but I am in Florida. Lots of love and prayers , Marylou
Dear Jennifer and family – there are no words to even begin to tell you how saddened I was to hear about Rick…my heart hurts for you and your family. We certainly shared some great times, back when it all began! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Sheila
Jennifer and Family-
I am so deeply sorry for you loss, my prayers are with you.
Sorry for this great loss. I knew Rick for many years as a brother law enforcement officer. He was a good cop and proud of his boys. His legacy will live on through them. God Bless.
Our condolences to the Diamond family – the passing of my friend is heartbreaking, Rest in Peace my Brother, God be with you, John & Elaine Dillon
The pain is so great at this time. My prayer is that god hold your family c!oser …love and peace
Truly sad to learn of Rick’s passing. One of the real good people that made our world a better place. Worked with Rick many years. A privilege and honor to work with him. Good bye my friend. Mike Kelleher NYSP ret.
Mr. Rick was one of my heroes. An amazing man with a great sense of humor and so much patience! A true role model for the students at BOCES. He will be missed by all. My deepest condolences to his family.
-Laurie
Our heart goes out to the Diamond family during these difficult times. The entire Diamond family are very special people. May you rest in pease, Rick. Steve & Connie Moffitt
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Rick was a great guy, good public servant and great family man. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP, bro, Rest In Peace.
Jen and family.Heartbroken.Hoping all the love that surrounds you and your boys will get you through this tragedy.God Bless.
Kelly and Frank Savasta
Dear Jennifer and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May the many happy memories you have help you through this difficult time.
Jennifer and family my deepest condolences, Rick was a class mate of mine and as I keep finding myself saying quite a bit lately he truly was one of the best, he and his entire family. They gave and continue to do so for our community he will be truly missed but NEVER forgotten. Please if there is anything I can do to help you at this most devastating hard time please feel free to reach out. I know we all have the same question . WHY? Was he chosen to be called home?! Only one person has that answer and in time we all shall know.
Yours truly Debb Sawtell Story
My deepest condolences to the Diamond family. I went to school with Jennifer and worked with both Joan and Bob back in the Coneco days. So sad for your loss, our community will truly miss him !
Jennifer and family. So so sorry to hear of the passing of an old friend . Many memories of our time together through the early years. My heart goes out to you all at this difficult time. Prayers and thoughts . Joan
Jennifer & family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thought and prayers are with all of you. Love Kathy
Our deepest condolences on your sudden loss. May you take comfort in the great memories you have of Rick. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Jennifer, it is so sad in your time of mourning the loss of your loving Husband and Father, Rick. Our prayers are with you and tha Diamond family that God will comfort you and help you in this time with the hope of seeing him and all of your Loved ones that have fallen asleep in death. I grew up with the Diamond family and have many memories of Rick and his family back then. Rick was always happy go lucky and loved life to the full every day!
What a shock, and great loss to your family, and our community. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sending my sincere condolence, thoughts and prayers to you jenn and the entire family.
Dear Jennifer and Family,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your
family. In the years that we were in business in Hudson Falls,
he was always a great help to us.
Jennifer and Family-
I am so deeply sorry for you loss, my thoughts prayers are with you. I can remember back when Rick first started as a Cadet and road with me many many years ago. He was a great Law Enforcement Officer and will be missed. RIP Rick.
Jennifer, Kyle,Jason,Randy, Jr, and entire Diamond family I was shocked and deeply saddened when I heard of Ricks untimely passing. He was an awesome cop, good friend and all around great guy. I remember many laughs over the years and always enjoyed running into Rick. He will be missed by everyone. What a sad loss to the community as well as everyone who knew and worked with him.
Thinking of you
Kibby French
I had the privilege of working with Rick for many years as we fought to protect our community from illegal drugs and all that went with it. He was a well respected member of our police/prosecution team. Always the consummate professional, I counted on him to give it to me straight. I will miss him.
Joan and Family,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Crystal
Rick was more that a great detective & colleague, he was a true gentleman & friend to everyone he met. I always missed working with him when he retired and the world was so much a better place because of Rick. Now heaven will be a better place.
Tom -NYSP Ret.
Please accept our deepest condolences at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Diamond family. Your memories will go on forever and he will never be forgotten. May the love and closeness of family and friends help guide you through this very difficult time.
Jennifer and family – So sad to hear of Rick’s passing. I will always remember his kindness and sense of humor. Thinking of you.
My deepest condolences to the Diamond family. Such a devastating loss. May Rick Rest in Peace.
Dear Randy and family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Words can’t express how saddened we are to hear of your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are
with you and your family.
My deepest condolences to the Diamond family. I had the opportunity to work with Rick at BOCES. He was a most wonderful and kind man. His shoes will be difficult to fill. So very sorry for the entire family.
Dear Diamond family. You are all in my heart and in my prayers. When ever I was with Rick and his family I felt loved like I was family, that was just the way of the Diamonds. Some of the best times of my life was with Rick ,what a special and loving friend. He will be missed. Thank you Mrs.D for your boys.
Sending sincere condolences to all, Love & Prayers from all of the HF Taylor Family. A great man, gone too soon, but into the hands of God now. A true Serviceman! RIP
Rick and I had many adventures growing up and boy they bring back some fun memories. Jenababe, sure glad you got to spend all that time with him and produce such a wonderful family. His time is way too soon but his life will carry on with the Diamonds and all those he touched. Seeing some of the names in these comments proves his effect on people going way back and he grew stronger as he lived. I will miss my forever buddy. “Rick you left my house so fast you forgot your shoes!”
Dear Jen,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to your family at this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love of your family and friends, along with all your cherished memories.
To all the Diamond family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you all especially Jennifer and his mother, Joan Diamond. I am sure Rick will always be with you all in spirit.
My deepest sympathy to you all. Rick was a well respected and a fun individual to be around. Mrs. Diamond you’ve done a tremendous job of raising your sons along with your husband God rest his soul. I have prayed for your boy and leave you with theknowledge that your family and you are on my mind. Thank you for a fine job of raising good men.
Dearest Jen, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
I was deeply saddened by the news of Ricks passing. Although I didn’t know Rick that well I spent years working with his mother Joan and socializing with his parents. I hope this wonderful family finds solace.
God bless you all at this difficult time.may your memories live on forever. RIP COUSIN RICK.