Diane Hamilton-Toles, 71, of New Haven, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025.
Born on October 28, 1953, in Yemassee, South Carolina, Diane was the beloved daughter of Joseph N. Hamilton, Sr., and Corene Hamilton. She grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Eli Whitney Technical High School. Her passion for learning led her to further her education at Stone Academy for Business, along with training in emergency medical services and phlebotomy.
Diane’s dedication to service was evident throughout her life. She enlisted in the Army Reserve, where she proudly served as an LPN, including a tour in Kuwait. After 20 years of honorable service, she retired from the military. Following her military career, she began working at Macy’s until they closed their store in New Haven. She then gained employment at SNET (now Frontier Communications) and remained a dedicated employee at the time of her passing. She was also a proud member of the Communications Workers of America Union.
A woman of strong faith, Diane was a devoted member of the City of Refuge Ministry. She was known for her generous heart and unwavering willingness to help others. Her kindness, strength, and dedication to her family and community will always be remembered.
Diane leaves behind cherished memories with her sisters, Shirley Williams, Dorothy Bacote, Ella Rena Hamilton, and Gwendolyn Ahmed (Rasool); her brothers, Dennis “Hambone” Hamilton (Terri) and Joseph N. “Rusty” Hamilton, Jr. (Natalya); her granddaughter, Corena Hamilton; great-grandson, Lemuel E. Hamilton, III; special cousin, Colonel J. Mauri Hamilton; dear friends, Joe and Peggy Grate and all of her close colleagues and friends at Frontier. She will also be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
She is reunited in eternal peace with her beloved son, Lemuel “Rif” Erik Hamilton; parents, Joseph N. Hamilton, Sr., and Corene Hamilton; grandson, Lemuel E. Hamilton, Jr.; great-grandson, Cayden Blakes; brother, Andrew “Bubba” Hamilton; and sister, Dinette Corene Hamilton.
Diane’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering love will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
A celebration of Diane’s life and legacy will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Greater Mt. Carmel Pentecostal Church, 399 Goodrich St., Hamden. Friends and family may pay their respects during a visitation from 9:00-10:00 A.M. before the service. She will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven.
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Condolences to the family. I’ll cherish the memories if working with you. I’ll miss your laugh & you say okay! Sleep my sister until we meet again🙏🏽
I had pleasure taking with Diane ACCIDENTALLY on several occasions. She’d always mis dial my number. However whenever she did we’d have the best conversations. I will mis my accidental calls. God keep you my friend.
Diane was a kind soft spoken woman: I served in the Army Reserve with her and it was an honor to serve with and a pleasure knowing her.
My most sincere condolences to the Hamilton family at this time. Peace and Blessings.
Nate
Diane I will miss running into at the grocery store talking and laughing about the good ole days in the Military and our fun visits at Peggy and Joe’s house. Sleep in peace. Sending prayers of comfort and strength to your family.
Prayers to her family & friends
Diane was such a caring person with warm heart and a smile & laugh I’ll always remember often very vocal with a great spirit
Hold on to the memories
Sincere condolences to all on the physical transition of our beloved sister. But we give thanks to the Most High GOD for having her touch so many lives in a positive way. Even grateful that love and memories live on forever.