David “Dave” Diamond, 56, of Chicago, died on July 18, 2026.
David was born and raised in New York and later attended the University of Wisconsin, a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He went on to graduate from Washington University School of Law. Soon after graduation, he moved to Chicago and made the city his home.
To his family, he was David. To his friends and colleagues, he was Dave. To everyone who knew him, he was unforgettable.
David had a warmth that drew people to him. He could talk to anyone, make anyone laugh, and make people feel as though they had known him forever. He had an extraordinary memory, a remarkable sense of humor, and a natural gift for connecting with people. He was a born salesman, not simply because he knew how to persuade, but because he genuinely liked people, listened to them, and understood them.
He loved music deeply, especially Wilco, the Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, and the Grateful Dead. He was equally passionate about sports and remained a devoted fan of Wisconsin athletics and the Chicago Bears throughout his life. Some of his happiest moments were spent at concerts, watching games, sharing stories, and laughing with the people he loved.
Above all, David loved his family. His greatest joy was being a father to his two beautiful daughters, Avy and Sophia. He loved them with his whole heart and was immensely proud of the young women they had become. Whether offering encouragement, sharing a laugh, telling a story, or simply spending time together, David made sure Avy and Sophia knew how deeply they were loved. They were the center of his world and the most important part of his life.
David was a loving son to Ellen and the late Jay Diamond, a beloved brother to Sheri and Caryn, and a cherished uncle who took enormous joy in his niece and nephews. From changing diapers and inventing ridiculous games when they were young to attending concerts and sporting events with them as they grew older, David created memories they will carry with them always.
His death leaves an immeasurable absence in the lives of his family and friends. David will be remembered for the warmth, humor, kindness, and love that defined his life, and for the countless ways he made the lives of those around him brighter.
David is survived by his daughters, Avy and Sophia Diamond; his mother, Ellen Diamond; his sisters, Sheri Litt and Caryn Gallop, and Caryn’s husband, John; his nephews, Alex Litt and his wife, Sarah, Michael Litt and his wife, Christy, and Matthew Gallop and his wife, Kim; his niece, Amanda Brown, and her husband, Jason; and countless friends, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives were made better by knowing him. He was preceded in death by his father, Jay Diamond.
A private funeral service will be held on July 24, 2026, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor David’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, an organization that was near and dear to his heart. His family also asks that people honor David by reaching out to someone they care about and reminding them that they are seen, valued, and loved.
