Diane Hamilton-Toles, 71, of New Haven, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025.
Born on Oct. 28, 1953, in Yemassee, S.C., 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. An online register book is available at curvinkcouncil.com