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Richard Alfred "Rick" Diamond, a musician and former chef, died Jan 4, 2018 in New Orleans, LA.
He was born to Alfred Joseph Diamond and Janet Abadie Diamond in New Orleans on April 24, 1953. He is survived by his mother Janet, sister Jan Diamond Lapre of New Orleans, brother Mark Diamond and sister-in-law Kelly Diamond of Irvine, CA, nieces Meredith and Genevieve Lapre, and Amanda Diamond, and nephews Mark N. Diamond and Austin Diamond. He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred J. Diamond, and grandparents Charles and Elise Abadie, and Alfred F. and Thelma Loup Diamond.
Rick was born and raised in New Orleans where he graduated from John F. Kennedy High School, and Tulane University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1975. He was drawn to music from an early age, and performed in many local rock bands in the 60s and 70s including Wild Lettuce and Tuna Fish Larry. Initially starting on guitar, he developed his talents on bass, including electric and upright, his preferred instruments for the rest of his career. His musical inclinations led him to Boston, MA, where he attended and graduated from the renowned Berklee College of Music, performing alongside many top acts of the time. He cut his first 45 rpm single in 1982 with the band A.Y.M. and later joined the multi-album success known as Men & Volts, performing on their CD album release Cheer Up in 1990. While in Boston, his love of good food led him to attend Culinary School and after graduating he worked part time as a catering chef. He also worked as a computer administrator at the American Meteorological Society.
He returned to his hometown of New Orleans in 2001 and eventually resettled on the banks of the Mississippi River in River Ridge with his new furry friend, a long-haired, miniature dapple dachshund whom he named Papete, after a book by Léon Soniat, La Bouche Créole. After expanding his instrumental prowess to upright bass, he performed with such local groups as the French Quarter All-Stars up until his death.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a funeral mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., on Tuesday, January 09, 2018 at 1pm. A visitation will begin at 11am. Interment to follow at Metairie Cemetery. To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.
January 8, 2018
Dennis Hebert
My condolences to those who loved Rick.
I remember many great times with Rick and The Wild Lettuce Band. We were Rick Diamond, Gene Nunez, Frank Bower, Keith Harris (maybe it was Harrison) and Dennis Hebert.
Rest in peace old friend.
January 8, 2018
Barry Levine
Rick was my Friend from the time we met at Kennedy High School until the end of his earthly journey. We always got together on holidays when he was in town during his long stay in Boston. I did get a chance to tell him what he meant to me shortly before he passed. He is in a better place now free of pain where I hope to again see him someday. I am going to miss his friendship very much.
January 7, 2018
Ron and Iris Snow
Rick and I worked together with the French Market All Stars for many years. Before and after Katrina. He and Papete would visit Iris and I. Papete and Romeo ( our Min Pin Pup ) got along very well. Iris and I were very fond of Rick and will miss him. Jan and Mark our please except heartfelt condolences for you and your family.
January 7, 2018
Marianne Judice
I met Rick many years ago when my sister, Catherine Bourque Vaccaro, dated him. He was a gentle and kind soul at all times. He played music with my cousin, Gene Nunez. Because they were all too young to drive I was their chauffeur. Always fun and always laughing. The best memories are the good and fun memories. May he rest now in the comfort of the arms of the angels.
January 7, 2018
Mark Duffy
Rick was one of the first friends that I made when I transferred to JFK High School in 1969. We traveled the country together, explored the Greater New Orleans area in search of the finest shrimp and oyster po boys. I was thrilled when he moved to Boston to attend Berklee School of Music when I had moved there in the late 1970's. We stayed in touch throughout the years until Katrina struck and I lost touch with him. I was pleased that I got to speak with Rick shortly before he passed, so I could emphasize his importance to me as we grew from boys to men. May God continue to bless the Diamond family
January 6, 2018
My condolences for the loss of your loved one. Hoping you find comfort as you recall happy memories of the life you shared. Isaiah 65:17
January 6, 2018
Mary Ann Van Osdell
I am so sorry about your brother, Jan. I have prayed ever since you told me of his illness. I hope his passing was peaceful and the Lord will give you the strength to honor him at the funeral. Love, Mary Ann
January 6, 2018
Katie Takayanagi
I am Martha Foley/Kaplan's daughter and Phil Kaplan's step-daughter. I haven't seen Rick in the last 20-25 years, but I remember Rick as being such a good-hearted person. He was always kind to me and my brothers. I have thought of Rick from time to time since then and wondered how he was doing in New Orleans. I'm very sad to hear of his passing.
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Funeral services provided by:
Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124
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