Soni Dimond, a groundbreaking broadcaster and popular morning show host at ABC27, passed away at the age of 67 on Thursday, January 9th, 2025. She had suffered a cardiac arrest on December 27th, 2024.
Dimond, self-styled as a “60-something Queenager,” was a source of inspiration and energy on her Vibrant Living segment on Good Day PA. Here, she urged viewers to fully embrace life.
ABC27 News acknowledged the death of Soni Dimond, praising her for her vibrant energy, warm persona, and spirited passion.
Dimond’s career in television started in 1978 with an internship at WTPA-TV 27 (now ABC27). Within a year, she was appointed as the station’s first weekend news anchor. According to George Stockburger, Executive Digital Producer at ABC27, Dimond was remembered for her energy and glamour every time she entered the ABC27 studio.
In the 1980s, Dimond moved from television news to entrepreneurship, creating Soni Dimond Media, a PR firm specializing in fashion and lifestyle. In 2003, the business was recognized with the Best 50 Women in Business in Pennsylvania Award.
She returned to television in 2018, joining ABC27 part-time to host segments on Good Day PA. Here, she created Vibrant Living, a segment aimed at encouraging seniors to lead a spirited life.
Amy Kehm, a co-anchor of Good Day PA, shared her thoughts on Dimond’s influential presence, stating that Vibrant Living was a true representation of her limitless energy and enthusiasm. Kehm added, “It seems almost poetic that she carried the name Dimond because she truly lit up every room.”
In her biography on ABC27, Dimond expressed her enthusiasm for her work, stating that she “loves inspiring her VIBRANT LIVING audience!” She enjoyed producing engaging stories with her husband, Kevin Martorana’s team at Take One Productions, Inc. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Her death elicited an outpouring of tributes on social media, with both viewers and colleagues reflecting on her significant impact. One fan wrote, “That’s too soon, for sure. Take care of yourselves,” expressing the shock felt by many.
Dimond’s broadcasting style was distinctively personal. She saw her role as not just a host, but also a motivator, consistently inspiring her audience to approach life with the same zeal she exhibited on-screen. Her Vibrant Living segment was known for its uplifting content and genuine connection with viewers.
She is survived by her husband, Kevin Martorana. Her legacy at ABC27 goes beyond her roles as an anchor and host, it includes her pioneering work as one of the station’s first female anchors and her significant influence on local television’s interaction with senior viewers.
ABC27 plans to honor Dimond’s memory with special programming that showcases her contributions to local broadcasting and her passionate service to the community. A funeral service was held on January 17 at Wiedeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Oberlin, Pennsylvania.