Born Sept. 10, 1930 in Dayton, O’Diam served in the Korean War before returning to the area to pursue a degree at the University of Dayton. O’Diam was the first principal at Parkwood (West) Elementary School in Beavercreek.
O’Diam served as a Boy Scout master for Troop 68 for 20 years, served on Beavercreek Council, where he served as mayor for two terms.
“Ben’s Parkwood days left him with a lifetime of fond memories and stories. To all of his former students and coworkers: he loved you more than you’ll ever know,” the family said in his obituary.
After retiring, O’Diam led a tutoring program for inner city elementary children at the Salvation Army in Dayton for 20 years.
“Mr. O’Diam was my 6th grade teacher at Beavercreek, 1958/1959,” said JoAnn Wood of Perry Twp. in a post to the memorial site. “Mr. O’Diam was a very gifted teacher whom I will always remember and be thankful for.”
O’Diam was a staple at the Beavercreek Popcorn Festival where he sold wooden Intarsias alongside his grandchild “apprentices.”
“The most important lesson Ben taught us was to “leave it better than you found it,” and his life is a testament to that,” family said. “Our community, and everyone who was lucky enough to know Ben, was left better because of him.”
A memorial service was held Wednesday, Jan. 8.
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