Ted Diamond was President of Composition Materials from 1952 – 1987.
The former 2nd Selectman, longtime civic volunteer and World War II hero, died at 105.
Theodore Diamond — a combat veteran, attorney, CEO and active citizen of Westport, died at home on August 2, 2022.
After serving as an infantry drill instructor, Ted volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He was determined to fight, and became the lead navigator of a group of 28 planes flying 50 missions against the Nazis leaving from North Africa, Italy and Russia.
The missions were beyond dangerous — after 50 of them, only 3 original planes survived.
Ted Diamond
For his service Ted received many medals and decorations, including 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was proudest of the insignia of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest military medal.
Ted Diamond delivers an RTM invocation. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Following high school, Ted graduated from St. John’s University, and received his law degree from Columbia University. He was drafted shortly after graduating from law school.
Before he flew overseas, he met Carol Simon for 2 hours at a party. He told his flight crew that if she were still available after the war, he would marry her.
In 1946 they married. They shared an intense love for 75 years, until her death in March 2022.
From 1946 until 1950, Ted practiced in a small law firm specializing in civil rights and labor law.
In 1950 he joined Composition Materials and was president from 1952 – 1987. Ted developed, manufactured and marketed diverse materials used in industries from oil well drilling to airplane maintenance to the composition of running tracks. He worked at Composition Materials until he was 87.
At 98, Ted Diamond served as grand marshal of Westport’s Memorial Day parade. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)