Stanford B. Friedman, M.D., Lynbrook native

Having accomplished great things as a doctor, a father, a grandfather and a fly fisherman, Stanford Friedman, who grew up in Lynbrook, has made his final trip to what his family hopes is the “eternal fishing lodge in the sky.” He died on June 23 at the age of 81.

Born in Seattle, Friedman was raised in Lynbrook and graduated from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, in 1953. While at Antioch, he met and married Roberta Henry. Soon afterward, they moved to Rochester, where they started a family and welcomed their sons Richard, Jeffery and Kenneth. The couple was married for more than 25 years and remained friends after their divorce until Friedman’s death.

Friedman graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in 1957 Along with a few of his contemporaries, he was one of the first to research and develop the field of adolescent medicine. During his career he served as president of the National SIDS Foundation, the Society of Adolescent Medicine, the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and the American Psychosomatic Society. Along with a few of his contemporaries, he was one of the first to research and develop the fields of adolescent medicine and behavioral pediatrics.

Although his work was the great love of his life, Friedman had other passions. He was known for his lavish seafood dinners, his gorgeous flower gardens and his love of Beefeater martinis (up, with a twist, glass of ice on the side). Nothing gave him more joy than discovering the perfect gift for a friend and those who were close to him often received surprise gifts out of the blue.

Friedman retired to Hansville, Washinton, a decade ago. His dining room table looked out over the water, and he spent his days there reading The New York Times, watching birds and visiting with family. Those who had the honor of knowing him will miss the eerily pertinent articles he was fond of mailing.

Friedman is survived by his three sons and their wives, his ex-wives Roberta Borman and Esther Wender, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nurse, caregiver and friend of several years, Gary Nikolin.

A family memorial celebration will be held at one of his favorite restaurants in Kingston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial donation to the Al Denman Scholarship Fund at Antioch College.