A retired Sullivan County, New York, school principal drew the sole winning ticket from a $326 million Mega Millions game two months ago, making him the biggest winner in state lottery history, officials said Monday.
Harold Diamond, 80, purchased the winning multi-state ticket at a Valero gas station in Middletown on Nov. 4.
Diamond had 60 days to contact lottery officials, and the Wurtsboro resident finally did so just before Christmas.
Diamond was identified during an event at that Valero on Monday. The lottery winner and his wife arrived in a limo, were cheered by onlookers and handed a giant bouquet of red roses.
He'll get to select his winning payout — either 30 annuitized payments or a lump sum of $197.45 million, which accounts for state and federal taxes.
It's the biggest payout in Empire State history, as Diamond topped "The Albany 7," a group of state employees who divided a $319 million jackpot in March, 2011.
A San Jose, Calif., man, David Bruckner, claimed a $202 million payout on a ticket he purchased when visiting family on Long Island in late 2011.
Aubrey Boyce, an MTA collections agent from Kew Gardens, scored a $133 jackpot in 2009.
The owner of the Valero station where Diamond made the lucky purchase will get $10,000.
"We were all excited," station owner Michael Nafash, 53. "It's a big event for the store to sell a winning ticket."
Employee Irma Reyes, 22, sold Diamond his winning ticket.
"I only found out last night. The manager kept it a secret," Reyes said. "I was surprised excited ... everything at the same time."
The employee admitted she didn't recall Diamond's face.
"I probably see 100 faces a day. It's pretty hard to remember who you sold it to," she said. "I'm just happy it's someone from around here."
$10 INVESTMENT TURNED INTO $326 MILLION.
WOW congrats to him .
quick picks are the way
Time for a permanent cruise, around the world. Nice!!!.
Congratulations Harold & the Mrs.
Wow- talk about a 80 year old " Diamond in the rough"-you earned it Big guy, enjoy your wealth & live long and prosper. .
More than anything else, I love to see a picture of the winning ticket. Quick pick #2 was the winner.
Congratulations Mr Diamond. I'd change my name to be Mr Platinum
At 80 years young, I would venture to guess that he will take the lump sum thus bypassing the 30-year annuity. The cash payout is $197 million BEFORE any taxes are deducted and his net take home pay after all New York state and local tax obligations are met will be roughly $95 million.
I hope he has many wonderful years left to enjoy his windfall.
Congrats to Mr. Diamond on his big win!
That's a nice win but the reality is that his offspring will truly enjoy it. Congrats!
With CLAIMED stampped on it, retailers don't have to worry about someone trying to cash it again.
Congrats to the Diamonds and the Valero gas station owner.
Lesson here that we only have 60 days to contact the lottery commission.
That's news to me thought we had one year to claim the prize. Is that a N.Y. state requirement or Mega Game requirement?
I better read the back of the betting slip next time to be sure.
Thanks Todd for the copy of the winning ticket.
All quick picks, just an amazing wager and winning prize.
The 60 days or a yr doesn't matter to me, I'll collect the next business day.
I am Jealous & envious too. Congratulations to the winner. Good Luck to all LP members this week !