Obituary of Michael H. Diamond

Diamond- Dr. Michael H. 67 of St. Petersburg Florida, formerly of Dunnellon and Cleveland, Ohio left this earth peacefully on Saturday, September 30, 2006 at home while being cared for by his family and Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. He was surrounded by love, comforted by home and touched by the compassion, strength and eternal love shown by family and friends during his last days of life. His mantra was to, "Always find the good in people, to always do your best and most importantly, to keep smiling!" He died knowing that he made a difference in this world and that he will always be remembered for his patriotism to his country, his compassion for others, and his eternal love and gratitude to his family and many dear friends. He and his wife, Karen Diamond, were longtime members of Congregation B'nai Israel in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents; Dr. Leo and Bertha Diamond, of Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Michael Diamond graduated Pharmacy School and Medical School from the University of Cincinnati. He completed his residency at University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his medical internship in Otolaryngology at Mount Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Michael Diamond was a veteran in the Vietnam War, serving as a physician and commander of the first underground hospital in Vietnam. "Saving lives and stamping out disease," is what he knew best. He had an illustrious career as one of St. Petersburg's finest ear, nose and throat surgeons until his retirement in 1998. He always gave credit to his dedicated nurse and dear friend, Donna Massey, who worked closely with him during his entire career as a surgeon. Dr. Diamond leaves behind; his devoted wife and loving partner, Karen Diamond, the love they shared goes beyond words. His family was the joy of his life: his brother and best friend, Harlan Diamond of Cleveland, Ohio; his three 'diamond girls' and their spouses; Cheri and Dr. Robert Pollack of Knoxville, Tennessee, Marcy and Hunter Lanier of Asheville, North Carolina and Robyn and Bob LaBarge of Charleston, South Carolina; his step children, Cara Cohen of Fort Myers, Florida and David Rice of St. Petersburg, Florida; his heart was warmed with the love of his nine grandchildren: Jacob, Ben and Ethan Pollack, Willow and Wolf Lanier, Hudson and Baylee LaBarge, Ryan and Taylor Cohen, and their father, Donny Cohen; his niece, Michelle Baker of Fort Collins, Colorado; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Brenda and Robert Brooks of Palm Bay, Florida, and Charlotte and Dale Cook of St. Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Michael Diamond left this earth with a twinkle in his bright, blue eyes, a smile on his bearded face and the contentment that comes from a life filled with love, generosity and humility. His loyal companion and canine friend, Dov, protected him with licks and love until the very end of his full and wonderful life. Funeral services will be 10AM Tuesday, October 3, 2006 in the David C. Gross Funeral Home Chapel, 6366 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg Florida. Burial will be Friday October 6th in Cleveland Ohio. The family invites you to sign his online guestbook below and share your favorite stories about Dr. Diamond. In lieu of flowers you can send donations to the SPCA Tampa Bay at spcatampabay.org or SPCA Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Avenue North, Largo, Florida 33773 or Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd. Clearwater FL 33760. Service Information