Obit For Cranford Native, Doctor Makes It Clear: He Loved Golf

CRANFORD, NJ — An obituary that ran in California news outlets last week made one thing clear about Cranford native Nicholas Charles "Chuck" Diakon, who passed away at 71: He really loved golf.

The often humorous ode begins, "Dr. Nicholas Charles Diakon 'Chuck' passed away on Sunday, April 25th, of natural causes, after a great meal with friends to conclude five days of golfing at his favorite course, Bandon Dunes, in Oregon. He shot an 82. He was a happy man."

It goes on to suggest that golf even played into his career trajectory: "He developed his lifelong love of golf while caddying at Galloping Hill Country Club [in Kenilworth]. While caddying, he realized that doctors golfed each weekend (and Wednesday). This began his quest to become a doctor."

The next line gives a clue to who might have penned such a quirky paean: "Chuck is survived by his wonderful children..."

Besides becoming a beloved dermatologist, Diakon was the class president his junior and senior years at Cranford High School, as well as prom king. He also played golf and basketball in high school and was recruited by Muhlenberg College for basketball.

He went on to serve as a surgeon in the Army for two years, earning the rank of major in the Army Medical Corps, before relocating to Napa, California.

Read the full obituary for Diakon here.

Don't miss Cranford breaking news alerts when they are announced, or get a free daily newsletter each morning with local news. Sign up with your preferences here.

Got news? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. Got photos? Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.