William John “Bill” Diamond, 87, of Frostburg, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Born June 29, 1935, in Analipsi, Greece, he was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Diamond; brothers, Apostolis (survived by his wife, Efthimia), Dimitri (survived by his wife, Katerina), Christopher Diamond; sister, Vasiliki Grigoropoulos; grandson, Sean Diamond ,and twin great-grandsons, Louis and Francis Bradley.
Bill came to this country from Southern Greece in May of 1955, at the age of 19 with .05, landing at Ellis Island not knowing a single word of English. Over the years, he worked long hours, learned English, started a family and would open businesses in Western Maryland becoming a successful businessman.
Bill began working immediately for his uncle, George Pappas, at The Princess Restaurant in 1955, working 13-hour days for the next eight years. In July of 1963, Bill would buy and open up his first business, The Diamond Restaurant. He would later close it in November of 1987 in order to prepare for his greatest achievement, The Acropolis Restaurant, which opened April 1, 1989. In 1973, Bill opened The Republican Club, later known as the Repub and Diamond’s Lounge. The Acropolis and Diamond’s Lounge closed on Oct. 10, 2013.
Bill worked tirelessly for 58 years to build a beautiful life for his family; the American dream he had always wanted. He was a hard-working man who never gave up, pushing through all that life threw at him. He was truly a self-made man and embodied what all immigrants wished to become when they entered America. Bill was not only a family man, but a key pillar of the Frostburg community. His determination and work ethic were unmatched and something to be desired. Bill never forgot his roots. While building a wonderful life for his family in America, he still provided for his family in Greece. He still remained loyal to his eight siblings and parents to give them the life he came to America to build; a true provider for all of his family.
Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elaine; his four children, William Diamond Jr. (Jane Ayn), Jon Diamond (Karen), James Diamond (Cindy), Maria Cotton (David); eight grandchildren, Kristin Walker (Cory), Andrew Diamond (January), Nicholas Diamond, Eric Diamond, Elizabeth Hobel (David), Alyssa Bridgens (Ryan), Olivia Diamond, David Cotton II and fiancee, Faith Tacey, and Katie Diamond; 11 great-grandchildren, Trenton, Tucker and Taylor Diamond, Isabella and Reeve Walker, Landon and Harper Diamond, Theo, Laney and Niko Hobel, and Evie Diamond, and two additional great-grandchildren on the way; brothers, Steve (Susan), Panagiotis (Evriklia); sisters, Maria and late husband, Kyriakos, Effie (Jim); and 16 nephews and nephews.
Until we meet again, S’agapame poli.
Friends will be received at Sowers Funeral Home, Frostburg, on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m
A celebration of life will be held at Sowers Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, at 1 p.m
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.