Richard A Diemand

Richard Allen Diemand, 58, of Wendell, MA passed away peacefully on Friday, May 19, 2023, at home, losing his battle with MSA, a rapidly progressing neurological disorder, surrounded by loved ones.
Rich was born May 11, 1965, at the Farren Hospital in Montague, Ma. He is survived by his daughters Ayla and MaKensy and his wife Marcy Wickham-Diemand. He also leaves his brother, Christopher and sister, Pamela, both of Wendell. His parents Joseph of Wendell and mother Carol Searles of Maine. Many aunts, uncles, cousins, and very close friends will miss his sense of humor and helpful way of being in this world.
Rich grew up in Wendell, MA as part of the Diemand Farm Family. He graduated from the Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls, where he studied Data Processing. He went on to work in IT for McKesson, Yankee Candle, Eaglebrook School and UMass Amherst. While working at UMass he studied Computer Science in the University Without Walls program and received his Bachelor’s Degree.
Rich traveled a lot with his jobs, but his real joy was spending time with family and close friends. Rich was a man of his word – if he said he would be there to help or do a job – there was no question – we knew it would be done and done right. He was the right-hand man for cooking the Famous Diemand BBQ chicken and always took the week before Thanksgiving off to be the front man at his family’s turkey farm as customers came in for their holiday fixings. In the last couple of years, he got the chance to travel with his daughters – going to Iceland was a trip of a lifetime they will always remember with smiles. Other trips will be remembered too.
Rich was diagnosed with MSA (Multiple System Atrophy) a very rare kind of Parkinson disease in 2018 and held onto his family’s love and support while dealing with his body’s changes with it. When asked “How are you doing?” he would answer “Ok-ish” – no matter the circumstance. He lived his life with a general thought of “let’s just keep going till we are done.”
The family would like to send a message of appreciation and love to all those people who lent helping hands in a variety of ways. You all made the difference in his happiness and comfort until the very end.
Calling hours will be held from 10:00-2:00 at the Diemand Farm, 126 Mormon Hollow Rd, Wendell on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. A graveside service will be held immediately following the calling hours in the family’s cemetery that is located next to the farm. Reception to follow at The Diemand Farm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Brain Support Network
 https://www.brainsupportnetwork.org/donate/#facebook
https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers
Want to join me in supporting a good cause? I’m raising money for Brain Support Network to honor Rich Diemand and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. I’ve included information about Brain Support Network (BSN) below.
BSN is dedicated to the support of families dealing with neurodegenerative disorders including the four atypical parkinsonian disorders (and related): Lewy Body Dementia (LBD/DLB), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD/CBS). These disorders are sometimes diagnosed as “atypical parkinsonism” or “Parkinson’s Plus.” Other, more prevalent neurological disorders with overlapping symptoms include Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), and vascular dementia.
The activity for which BSN is known nationwide is brain donation. At present, post-mortem brain tissue analysis is the *only* way to confirm a diagnosis of any neurological disorder. BSN has helped over 500 families accomplish brain donation in the US and Canada. Of these families, *half* received a confirmed diagnosis that was different than the clinical diagnosis.
Rich was diagnosed with MSA (Multiple System Atrophy). His brain was donated to <Mayo Clinic?> as a result of the work performed by BSN employees and volunteers. Your donation makes possible their continued work to support the search for treatments and cures for neurological disorders. For more information visit www.brainsupportnetwork.org/brain-donation.
Arrangements are under the direction of Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kkostanskifuneralhome.com

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