Marvin Lewis Diamond

Marvin Diamond passed away after a life well lived on November 18th, 2017, at the age of 89. He was born in Rochester, New York, on December 5th, 1927, and attended NYU for a business degree, which led him to a life in retail, with a focus on women's shoes for most of his career.

He met the love of his life, Sedelle Figler, on a blind date in Milwaukee, after he moved there in the late 1950s, and married her in 1959. In 1960, he became a father to a baby girl, Julie Diamond. In 1981, he and his wife moved to San Mateo, opening two shoe stores, then lived in North Beach for close to 15 years. Sedelle Diamond remained his one and only, despite her passing in 1983 at the young age of 47. He never remarried. In 1998, Marvin moved to Sonoma, where his daughter and granddaughter lived, and he settled here until his passing.

The best part of his work was his ability to travel the world. Through his travels he learned to live and love "the good life," which he shared with all who knew him throughout his life, especially his granddaughter, Sasha Diamond Honigman. His goal in life was to give her a good education, which included learning through travel. He was her greatest artistic influence. His love of culture brought him season tickets to the San Francisco Ballet, the San Francisco Symphony, Berkeley Repertory, and San Francisco Performances for over 30 years. He loved to travel, eat well, drink good wine, dress well, and live life to the fullest in every moment.

We honor his caregivers, Irie Nawaqatabu, Paulini Ratubalavu, and Lulu Suluaqalo, who gave him so much comfort, good food, outings, laughter, and joy. His life was so much richer because of their presence. Marvin Diamond's memory will be a blessing to all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, which he loved, he would want donations to go to Congregation Shir Shalom at 252 W. Spain St., Sonoma, CA 95476, where he served on the board and was the esteemed shofar blower for the high holidays for close to 20 years. It was his heart place and his main community in Sonoma.

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