William J. Diamond served in World War II and went on to write, lecture and publish more than 70 scientific journals. He died Monday at 84.
By GRACE AGOSTIN
Published September 5, 2003
With multiple careers in engineering and chemistry, William J. Diamond wrote several textbooks in those fields. But his accomplishments were enough to fill a book of his own.
He held the roles of a chemist, statistician, researcher, writer, teacher, soldier and traveler.
"He was a very hard-working, committed person and when he had a goal in mind he got it done," said Mr. Diamond's son, William P. "While he was working on a master's degree, I was in college and he studied more than I did."
Mr. Diamond, of Riverview, died Monday. He was 84.
Before he enlisted in the Army, Mr. Diamond earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry at LaSalle College in Philadelphia and his master's degree in statistics at the University of Kentucky.
During World War II, he served in the Army Corps of Engineers in Italy and North Africa. There he developed a water purification system for troops.
In the course of serving in the military and his other careers he traveled frequently overseas and across the United States, eventually visiting all 50 states.
Mr. Diamond landed his first job with International Harvester Corp., where he worked as a chemist with plastics.
"He did a lot of experiments and helped develop the first plastic bowling balls which have become very popular now," his son said.
In 1962, after working as a researcher at Whirlpool and Brunswick, Mr. Diamond started a career with IBM as a senior chemical engineer. He lent his expertise in mathematics and statistics at IBM to evaluate manufacturing processes at other companies.
Mr. Diamond published more than 70 scientific journals, a textbook on experiment designs for engineers and scientists as well as a book with advice on stock investments.
While working at IBM, and even after his retirement in 1980, he taught classes in the United States and Europe on experiment designs.
"Once he retired he would continue to consult for other industrial organizations in the country," his son said. "He did this until about four or five years ago when he got older."
Survivors include his wife, Kathleen; his son, William P. of Pittsburgh; a daughter, Susie K. Gillespie of Brandon; four grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
Mr. Diamond was buried Thursday with full military honors at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
