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 The Rotary Club of Buffalo is mourning the loss of our dear friend and fellow Rotarian, Tony Diina (July 8, 1947 - April 20, 2021). Tony, age 73, died suddenly on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. We are shocked and saddened, but also pausing to celebrate his legacy of service, commitment to our community, fellowship, and friendship. Tony defined what it means to be a Rotarian.Tony’s smile lit up a room. He made a point to get to know new members, mentoring and coaching them along the way. His joie de vivre was palpable. He was friend to many, making quick friends of acquaintances. When in a conversation with Tony, one would feel like the center of his attention. He was present, interested, curious, and engaged. Tony always made everyone feel valued and important, and to say that he went above and beyond would be an understatement. His involvement in our club was wide-ranging and consistent. A member since 1999, he was a dedicated mentor with our Mentoring Program at Lorraine Elementary School for over 20 years. Deann Sheppard, a long-time member of our Mentoring Program says, “His commitment to his student created a support system that lasted into adulthood. He was always encouraging and never judgmental. The passing of Tony will leave a large void in the Lorraine Mentoring Program.” Tony served on several committees, chairing the Service Fund Committee for many years. He was a Paul Harris Fellow three times over. He was active in the Rotary Tennis Fellowship, often playing tennis with his Rotarian friends. He served on the Board of Directors from 2008 through 2012 and was a regular attendee at District 7090 conferences. As a Past President of our club, I can say that his encouragement and advice were invaluable. I felt like I had my own personal cheerleader on my side. One of his most important contributions was planning and organizing the campaign to construct the Rotary Flag Pole project at the Naval Park. He was a patriotic soul and always worked on planning a ceremony in conjunction with Rotary around Flag Day. Buffalo Rotarian Paul Marzello, President & CEO of the Naval Park says “As you know, his motor was always running, and he would save me articles and call me all the time with leads on things that could benefit the Park”. Tony was an active alumnus of Canisius College. He was a member of the Leadership Society and helped to organize his Golden Jubilee Reunion for the class of 1969. He was involved with the MBA Alumni Association and provided assistance with the college’s fundraising and marketing efforts to alumni and friends. He always stepped up to help his alma mater. Countless other Western New York organizations benefited from Tony’s efforts and commitment, such as the History Museum and St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy. One was always struck by how involved and hard-working he was. We send our deepest condolences to Tony’s wife Kathleen, daughters - Tracy, Wendy, Kathleen, Jane, and his entire family. I know I’m not alone in saying I will miss Tony tremendously. I’m grateful to have known him. | ||