Vibrant. Elegant. Poised. Professional. Graceful. Kind. Compassionate. Caring.
Many words have been used to describe Soni Dimond, who came into our lives here in Naples nearly 10 years ago. She arrived to care for her ill mother, quickly made friends, and became a media influence before returning to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
During her career, she was a reporter, anchor, producer, publicist, lobbyist and model. Most recently, she was back at ABC-27, where she had begun her career as a college intern, serving as a part-time anchor for the Good Day PA morning show and the producer of Vibrant Living segments. She also produced videos for the Poconos vacation area with her husband Kevin Martorana and was a model and emcee for local fundraising events.
I first crossed paths with Soni at the Rotary Club of Naples, where we were both new members, and, of course, at Naples Press Club lunches and mixers. She bravely took the reins as president of the club from Carole Greene, who capably served as her mentor. As many have already shared, Soni had an energy that was contagious, her smile could brighten any room, and she was so engaging. When she needed to step back from her role as president because of her job responsibilities, I was honored that she reached out to me to fill her leadership role with the press club.
Soni and I discovered a shared love of flamingos and soon we were “flamingling” by Zoom every few months after she returned to Lancaster. Holiday and birthday cards to one another prominently featured flamingos. Two years ago, she was an amazing host when I visited her in Hershey.
It has been a sad and difficult few days. But as I review the Facebook remembrances left by hundreds of her friends and fans, revisit our text exchanges over the years and look at photos of Soni’s brilliant smile and bright personality, I truly feel blessed to have had her in my life.