Thomas John Diamanty

The family of Thomas John Diamanty, 89, of Wilmington, Delaware is deeply saddened to announce his peaceful passing away on June 7, 2026. Tom was born in1937 in the town of Eratyra in Thessaloniki, Greece, to Eleni (Karamitsios) and Yianni Diamantis.  He was the youngest of 13 children. Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years Sultana (Kirifides) and his son John (Kathy). He is survived by his son Michael and daughter in law Lori, nee Ricci, faithful caregivers throughout his final years.  He is survived by grandsons Thomas Luke (Haylie), Thomas John, Peter, Christian (Anah), and great-grandson Jude.

Tom arrived in America by ship in 1954 at age 17 with a $1 in his pocket. He lived with his older sister Agnes and learned to speak English by watching TV and immersing himself in the culture.  After finishing high school in Upper Darby, PA he attended trade school for HVAC. Immediately following, Tom enlisted and served in the U.S. Army, 562nd Engineering Company,  from 1958-1960. He survived a jet plane crash in 1958 and a helicopter crash in 1959. Soon after leaving the military,  Tom met the love of his life, Sultana Kirifides, at a Greek dance in Chester, PA. They were married on December 9, 1962. They raised their 2 sons in Wilmington, DE in a loving home filled with the heritage he loved so much, Greece and all of its language, wonderful food and hospitality.  Sue’s Name Day parties for Tom, a tradition in the Greek culture, were legendary and looked forward to by friends and family alike, witnessed by all the cars lined in front of their house on Naamans Road.

Tom started his own Mechanical contracting Company, T.J. Diamanty Engineering Co., in 1974, fulfilling his own American Dream. Its success provided not only very well for his own family, but for all the people that he helped along the way, especially many who came from Greece to find their own American Dream.

Tom’s greatest passion was his family. He rarely missed any of his grandson’s games, no matter the weather or distance.  Teammates and fans alike all new who Pappou was.  And for the few that didn’t, they could read his license plate “Pappou”.  He loved spending time at the beach house and the many skiing trips he enjoyed with ‘his boys”.

Tom was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church where he was a long time Parish Council Member and Officer.  He was also very proud to be the Co-Chairman of the annual Holy Trinity Greek Festival for many years. He will be remembered for the many years he arrived early every Sunday for services and warmly greeted parishioners with a beautiful smile and a kind word.

Tom Diamanty will always be remembered for his generosity, great compassion and a servants heart. He was never without a story or word of encouragement; many times putting things in action for those he helped.  He was a strong and powerful influence who will be missed deeply by those loved him, especially those who called him Pappou.

A viewing will take place on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 808 N Broom St Wilmington, DE 19806. A service will begin at 11:30 AM. Burial will follow at Lawn Croft Cemetery, 1000 W Ridge Rd Linwood, PA 19061.