Words cannot express who Charles “Joe” Diana was and what he meant to the lives of so many. Joe was not an ordinary man, but a man among men. Joe had a lifetime of service plus a family that spans several generations. While we try to summarize the life of the man he was, we know that it is not possible to do so. So in our feeble attempt to describe the life of Joe, we know we do so out of humility.

Frequently, due to his dedication to the Silver Hill Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, we all have loving, caring and kind thoughts about Joe. Truly, because Joe was so intense about serving, his visibility within the walls of Silver Hill was near constant. He was a guiding force in the company. His longevity was why the company didn’t struggle for many years. He restored the company when it lost its way. He put his personal credibility on the line to ensure the company became financially stable. His sacrifices were not always understood but we see the fruit of his efforts today.

As a result, Jeff Kramer remembers Joe fondly this way, “Joe had a heart of gold. He would be there when you need him. When my oldest daughter was sick with cancer out of the blue, she received a box of chocolate covered strawberries from Joe and Diana. Joe’s nature was to be there and give when you needed him and never expected anything in return.

As we reflect, we can add our own words, thoughts and emotions we shared with him.  We do not need to tell stories about Joe. We do not need to introduce him or remind others about him. Because he made an impression on all those he came in contact with. Joe was the central and key figure, surrounded by those he served. Joe served well.