Jack Friedman, a devoted family man, community leader, attorney, and mentor whose decades of service left a lasting impact on Rockville Centre and Oceanside, died May 9 at age 81.
Friedman was born March 1, 1945, in the Bronx, second child of Joseph B. and Leona Friedman. He was raised with his older sister Florence F. Marks and younger sister Ronnie May Gordon, who predeceased him. The family moved to Oceanside when he was about five, where he spent his youth and attended Oceanside High School.
He went on to Adelphi University, studying accounting while playing football and lacrosse, and later earned his law degree from Brooklyn Law School.
In September 1965, he met his future wife Cecele “CeCe” Friedman during a chance encounter when he arrived at a friend’s home on his motorcycle. She recalled asking for a ride, and a week later he called to ask her out. They married June 29, 1968, and settled in Rockville Centre, where they raised three sons: Ronald J., Lee E., and Joel B. Friedman.
Friedman became deeply involved in community life through youth sports, Scouting, civic service, and synagogue leadership. Inspired by his sons’ participation in soccer, he coached youth and travel teams.
“He was always supportive of whatever we did,” Ronald said. “Work came third—mom and the boys first and second.”
He served as assistant scoutmaster and scoutmaster of Troop 214 in Rockville Centre and later returned to Troop 303 in Oceanside, the same troop he joined as a boy. All three sons earned Eagle Scout, and he continued mentoring Scouts beyond his children’s years, helping with merit badges and leadership development.
His civic service included 15 years on the Rockville Centre Library Board, membership in the Rotary Club of Rockville Centre, and leadership roles at Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David, where he served as president and board chairman.
“He was committed to making the community better,” CeCe said, adding he hoped younger generations would carry forward his values.
He loved travel and adventure, taking family camping trips across the United States, including Mount Rushmore, the Rockies, Grand Tetons, Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park. In later years, he and CeCe traveled internationally and cruised through Europe. They moved to Florida in 2022 to enjoy warmer weather and be closer to family.
CeCe said she hopes he is remembered for his smile, kindness, and concern for others. She added that his steady presence, quiet leadership, and devotion to family and community defined his life, and that those who knew him best will always remember his generosity, humor, and ability to bring people together in meaningful ways every day.
He is survived by CeCe; sons Ronald J. Friedman and wife Pamela, with son Ryan; Lee E. Friedman and wife Amy, with children Carly Gutierrez and husband Ricky and their children Naomi and Roman Gutierrez, Haley Thomas, Lia Friedman with son Malakai (Kai), and Jenna Friedman; and Joel B. Friedman and wife Jami, with sons Skylar and Blake.
Donations may be made to Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David, 100 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre, NY 11570, or Theodore Roosevelt Council, Boy Scouts of America, 544 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758.
