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Yorktown Town Supervisor Thomas Diana died on Friday morning, Jan. 5, Yorktown Deputy Supervisor Ed Lachterman announced.
Lachterman announced the news in a statement released on social media and the town's website.
"Tom was an incredible friend to so many. He was filled with energy, an open mind and heart, and a sense of duty and that influenced everything he did," Lachterman said, adding that more details would be released "while we process this tragic moment for our community.”
Diana's exact cause of death was not detailed by Lachterman.
Diana, a retired Westchester County Police officer and small business owner, was first elected to the Yorktown Town Board in 2015. During his time on the Board, he founded Yorktown Against Heroin and raised funds for 'Dallas,' the Yorktown Police Department's drug detection canine.
He was a proud "Okie," a third-generation native of Shrub Oak, and graduated from Lakeland High School. He leaves behind his wife, Donna.
In addition to Lachterman, Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble gave a statement following Diana's death, saying that the town "lost a giant."
"Sometimes, the best of people are regular guys. People who greet you with a smile, a firm handshake and very good intentions. Someone who would stand with you when you were at your lowest. Someone who didn't gossip and valued old school ways, while still realizing that the world was indeed changing," Noble said, adding, "Yorktown Town Supervisor Thomas Diana was that type of people."
Congressman Mike Lawler also commented on Diana's death, saying, "He worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Yorktown and was dedicated to the cause of public service. His passing is not only a loss for the Yorktown community and his colleagues in government, but for his family, especially his wife Donna."
"God Bless the Diana family," Lawler added.
Yorktown town offices will close on Tuesday, Jan. 9 for Diana's funeral, officials said.
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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