Retired principal, 80, wins $326M Mega Millions jackpot

Mary Bowerman | USA TODAY Network

Show Caption Hide Caption NY Couple wins record jackpot An 80-year-old retired high school principal and his wife officially claimed the biggest prize in New York Lottery history -- a MegaMillions jackpot worth $326 million. (Jan. 12)

Harold Diamond doesn't have to worry about retirement anymore.

The retired elementary school principal was announced as the winner of the $326 million Mega Millions jackpot, the largest in New York Lottery history.

Diamond, 80, of Wurtsboro, N.Y., and his wife, Carol, accepted the check Monday at the same Valero gas station in Middleton, N.Y., where Diamond purchased the ticket Nov. 4.

Diamond said he and his wife were driving to Middleton on Election Day and pulled over at the gas station because of bad weather. While the couple ate lunch, Diamond said he noticed the flashing Mega Millions sign and decided to spend $10 for 10 tickets of Quick Pick numbers, the Associated Press reported.

"I put the ticket in my wallet and forgot about it," Diamond said in a statement released by New York Lottery.

Just a day later, Diamond said he was playing golf with friends when someone mentioned the jackpot-winning ticket was purchased at a Valero on Route 302.

"I thought, wait a minute — I bought a ticket there last night," Diamond said.

Diamond, who retired as principal of George L. Cook Elementary School in Monticello in 1995, said he was "in a dither, a real daze," when he realized he had the winning ticket.

The couple opted to take the lump-sum payment, which after taxes will total $130,676,438.

Diamond said he plans to help family with the money and give back to the local community.

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