Richard Diamond

1953-2026

On March 28, 2026 we lost our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in law and a wonderful friend. Richard Diamond was born in Queens, New York in 1953. He was the son of Lewis Diamond and Ethel Kramer Diamond. He was a New Yorker by birth, tradition, but his heart belonged to Santa Barbara and California.He came to Carpinteria in 1974, which he loved. He met Margee Yeager there and they began their life in Santa Barbara with the birth of their 3 sons Sean, Ben, and Jesse. Richard used his skills as a computer programmer and computer skills working for Pentabs, Benefit Software, and finally Ebix Corp where he remained for almost 35 years. Richard, above all else, adored his sons. He was active in their schools, including West Day Care, Susie West childcare, Starr King Parent Child Workshop, where he made lifelong friends. McKinley Elementary where he served as PTA president and helped Margee put out a newsletter. He was a soccer coach, as well as playing music for many plays put on by Summer Stock youth theater. He went to almost every sporting event, play, school performance the boys participated in which was his greatest joy! Throughout Richard’s life there was one other constant above everything else. It was his love of music, especially the guitar. He was a professional musician in the early days and then he played for family, friends, school events, weddings, and many more occasions. Music was always part of his life and he shared it with his sons to show them his love of all music. Anyone who truly knew Richard knew he had his favorites including The Grateful Dead, The Band, Little Feat, Tom Waits among just a few. But his taste ran all over the place and brought such joy to anyone he performed for. It was this love that sustained him through difficult times and beauteous times. I can’t remember a time when I couldn’t hear him playing in his office as he worked out a programming problem, something he needed to solve, etc But mostly he just played for the pure joy of it. He loved playing anytime!!! The birth of his granddaughter Avery was such a joy!! He always had a hug for her and a smile. Throughout his life there have been ups and downs, as there are in anyone’s life, but in the end he passed away watching TV with Margee. 

Richard leaves behind his wife Margee Yeager, his sons Sean Yeager-Diamond (Lisa), granddaughter Avery, Ben Diamond (Kelsey), in Vancouver, Canada and Jesse Yeager-Diamond (Julie), his sister-in-law Beth Yeager, his brothers Dr. Kenneth Diamond, James Diamond Sr as well as his nephew James Diamond Jr. and his nephew and niece. Richard was loved by so many, numerous friends, neighbors, coworkers, acquaintances, far too numerous to list.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date Richard you are loved and missed.

“If Music be the food of love, play on”