Soni Dimond, 67, was a beloved morning show host and pioneering broadcaster at ABC27. She died Thursday, January 9th, 2025, after going into cardiac arrest on December 27th, 2024.
Dimond, who described herself as a “60-something Queenager,” was known for bringing inspiration and energy to her “Vibrant Living” segment on “Good Day PA,” where she encouraged viewers to embrace life to its fullest.
ABC27 News made a statement about the loss of Soni Dimond. Known for her energy, warmth, and passionate spirit, Soni touched both colleagues and countless viewers. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of joy and dedication will endure.
Her television career began in 1978 as an intern at WTPA-TV 27 (now ABC27), where she quickly rose to become the station’s first weekend news anchor just a year later. George Stockburger, Executive Digital Producer at ABC27, remembered Dimond “for the energy and glamor she brought every time she stepped into the ABC27 studio.”
In the 1980s, Dimond transitioned from television news to entrepreneurship, founding Soni Dimond Media, a public relations firm focusing on fashion and lifestyle. Her business acumen earned recognition when the company received the Best 50 Women in Business in Pennsylvania Award in 2003.
The broadcasting call brought her back to television in 2018 when she returned to ABC27 part-time to host segments on “Good Day PA.” It was there that she developed “Vibrant Living,” a segment dedicated to inspiring seniors to live enthusiastically.
Amy Kehm, her fellow “Good Day PA” anchor, reflected through tears on Soni’s lasting impact, calling “Vibrant Living” a perfect reflection of her boundless energy and joy. Kehm shared that knowing Soni had transformed her life, adding, “It seems almost poetic that she carried the name Dimond because she truly lit up every room.”
In her ABC27 biography, Dimond expressed her passion for her work, stating she “loves inspiring her VIBRANT LIVING audience!” She enjoyed creating engaging stories alongside her husband, Kevin Martorana’s team at Take One Productions, Inc. in Lancaster, PA.
The news of her passing prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media, with viewers and colleagues sharing memories of her impact on their lives. “That’s too soon, for sure. Take care of yourselves,” wrote one fan, reflecting the shock felt throughout the community.
Dimond’s approach to broadcasting was uniquely personal. She saw her role as a host and motivator, consistently encouraging her audience to embrace life with the same enthusiasm she demonstrated on screen. Her segment became known for its uplifting content and authentic connection with viewers.
She is survived by her husband, Kevin Martorana. Her legacy at ABC27 extends beyond her roles as anchor and host, encompassing her pioneering spirit as one of the station’s first female anchors and her lasting impact on how local television engages with senior viewers.
The station plans to honor her memory with special programming highlighting her contributions to local broadcasting and her influence on the community she served so passionately. Her funeral is on January 17 at Wiedeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Harrisburg Street in Oberlin, Pennsylvania.
