Almost 800 people attended the final farewell for Terry “Tezza’’ Diomis yesterday.
It was one of the biggest funerals in Macarthur for more than a decade.
Listening to the eulogies it was obvious that Terry Diomis had touched a lot of lives in his short 51 years on earth.
He died in Campbelltown Hospital on January 15 just eight days short of his 52nd birthday
Camden mayor Therese Fedeli said he would always be remembered as “a son of Camden.’’
But what really resonated were stories that illuminated the life of someone who gave so much of his time for the community of Macarthur.
Paul Blyton from Macarthur Disability Service said it best: “Terry always helped us with our functions and never asked for a cent.’’
The celebration of life, as it was described, took place in the auditorium of C3 New Hope church, located next to the imposing Kenny’s Hill along Narellan Road.
It was literally packed to the rafters.
Terry’s older brother, Con, delivered the first eulogy of the service, followed by Melissa Diomis, as well as their two adult children, Nicholas and Abby.
The 800 or so people who attended the service then formed a guard of honour which snaked around the corner from the church and for more than 100 metres.
More eulogies, and stories from those who knew Terry Diomis, continued at the wake, which was held at the Camden civic centre, which was also full to overflowing.
They included Camden MP Peter Sidgreaves, Mayor Fedeli and Macarthur Greeks founder John Tsekas.
Terry Diomis may have been Camden born and bred, but he was very proud of his Greek heritage, so it was no surprise that the wake finished with ouzo shots and plate smashing.
The civic centre stage was transformed into a Greek taverna dance floor as Con Diomis encouraged everyone to get up and smash a plate or two in honour of his late brother.
Terry Diomis, RIP.
