Richard H. Friedman, 56, an attorney active in the Jewish community of Albany, N.Y., died in a swimming accident while on vacation with his family in Puerto Rico, Dec. 30, 2007.
Friedman was a member of the board of Albany’s Temple Israel, a Conservative synagogue, president of its Men’s Club, and former president of Albany’s Jewish day school, Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy.
(In My Heart Editor’s Note: I once lived in Albany, and knew Friedman by sight, as well as all the individuals quoted in this story. My condolences to his family, friends and the extended Albany, New York, Jewish community, a tight-knit group. I invite anyone from Albany who knew Friedman to write a comment to this article or to send us an email, which we will post in Friedman’s honor.)
Friedman was a partner in the firm of Ganz Wolkenbreit & Friedman.
Law firm partner Robert E. Ganz told the Albany Times Union:
“We’re devastated. We’re shocked. He was a critical and wonderful part of our law firm. Clients had deep affection for him. He was the kind of lawyer who saw every problem as a human problem, and, while interested in the law, he was really interested in solving the person’s problem.
“He’s not going to be replaced. We are going to struggle through. It’s a great loss for the legal community, his clients, and his friends at the synagogue.
“He had that ability to communicate and resolve problems that seemed unsolvable. (He was able) to converse with people even though they were on the opposite side … That’s why he was so well liked and well respected in the legal community.”
According to the newspaper, circumstances surrounding Friedman’s drowning were unclear. His sons Harry, 15, and Aaron, 13, were apparently in the water off a beach in Puerto Rico.
“Whether he felt they were in distress or too far out, he went out to get them closer to shore or help them and he drowned,” Ganz told the newspaper. “There could have been some kind of an undertow.”
Friedman’s wife, Gail Kendall, and daughter, Sophie, 20, were also on the trip.
Temple Israel Rabbi Paul Silton told the newspaper Friedman’s death is “a big loss for his family and a big loss for our community, the synagogue, and everyone. He was sensitive, kind, compassionate and always even-tempered. To me, he was like a Godsend. He was very sincere. He took life seriously. He took Judaism seriously.”
Friedman and his family moved to Albany from Boston in 1993. By 1998 Friedman was president of the Hebrew Academy, and a well-known individual in Albany’s Jewish community.
“He really was a good guy, even tempered and nice to everyone even those he disagreed with. I guess you could call him a real gentleman. His death really leaves a large hole in the Temple Israel and probably Hebrew Academy communities,” an Albany acquaintance told In My Heart.
THE EULOGIZER 
Recently several of my new clients who experienced a number of problems with a former Realtor asked for legal advise. I was given the name of Rick Friedman. I recommended several clients who found Mr. Friedman to be understanding, extremely competent and voracious in his passion to help them. I sent an email to Mr. Friedman thanking him for his assistance and he immediately replied thanking me for the referrals and offering to take me out to dinner as away of saying thanks.
Upon hearing the news of his death I am deeply saddened and feel, as I am sure so many feel, our lives our diminished because one good man has left our presence.
My deepest sympathy to his wife and family.
Tom Peyton, President
S.G. Property Management of Saratoga, Inc.
We were at the beach when Mother Nature called upon Mr. Friedman. While protecting his kids from the wrath of the sea, we saw how a loving family stood by his side, with such a faith… with so many people trying to help and comfort.
We really feel sorrow.
Our deepest sympathy to his wife and his kid who tought us what a loving family is all about.
I first became friends with Rick when we were both first year law students at Boston College Law School in 1974. In fact, we vacationed in Puerto Rico with some of our other law school friends before we began our legal careers–how ironic that he lost his life there enjoying a tropical vacation with his beautiful family. Back in law school, he explained to me what it meant when someone was referred to as a “mensch”, and I am deeply saddened to say that we have all lost a true mensch in Rick’s passing. He was a truly compassionate, thoughtful, and principled person. He cared deeply for his family and friends. My sincerest condolences to his wife Gail and his three dear children.
I received the news of Rick’s passing with tremendous saddness. We were casual friends (we saw one another at synagogue and played together on the Temple Sofball team). I deeply valued his friendship, his kindness and his engaging smile, behind which I knew was a joy of life without bounds.
Bruce Roter
I became acquainted with Rick while representing the opposing party in one of his cases in Ulster County. I knew right away that Rick was a very knowledgeable attorney. We both fought hard for our clients, but became friends in the process. Several times thereafter, I sought Rick’s advice on other matters, and he was always willing to give me his time and advice. I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. He will be greatly missed.
Richard and his loving wife Gail and I met at Congregation B`Nai Sholom. And it wasn`t long there after, coincidentally, all of us became members at Temple Israel of Albany. Richard and I took good wonder in this move. I remember him as a Gentleman, whose commitment to tradition was encouraging. He had an excellent sense of humor. He never once left the table during any of my jokes. Yet his intelligence, warmth, commitment to family, and to living the Jewish way of life came through with modesty. And class. This is a tragedy. I pray for his family. To have the strength to continue living with what he brought to them. May his memory always remain a blessing for them, for the community. May he rest in peace.
Chaim Dovid Miller
Thanks for having this beautiful web-site. I was so fortunate to be married to Rick for 24 years. He was a loving husband and father. These recollections have given me wonderful glimpses into what like was like at work. He often told me stories about his clients and other lawyers and it is lovely to read that they felt the same way about him.
I know this is 4 years later, but I just found out about Rick’s passing. I am a friend of Rick from his days at legal services in the 1970’s. I am devastated to learn about this. I live in Santa Barbara California and if Gail should have the opportunity to see this, please call me 805-563-1269.
Lou Segal
My name is Charlie Campbell, Rick, Gail, and Sophie were very dear friends of mine. I just learned of ricks drowning, and I don’t think I could be any sadder. He was truly a wonderful person kind, caring, and considerate to everyone. I am sure he is deeply missed by everyone that knew him, my condolences to Gail and Sophie and his two boys. I’m sure it must’ve been very hard for all of them. Please let Gail know that if she ever wants to say hi, she can reach me at 978-853-1080. I would love to hear her voice again.