David Aaron Friedman, of Lawrenceville, NJ and Boynton Beach, FL, passed away on June 6th after a long battle with heart disease.
David was born in Trenton, NJ on May 19, 1933, to Max and Janet Friedman. Max was an obstetrician at Helene Fuld Hospital in Trenton having moved from Brooklyn shortly after receiving his medical degree and marrying Janet, who had been a hat model in New York.
After graduating from Trenton Central High School in 1951 where he excelled on the swim team, David attended Duke University undergraduate and Law School, graduating in 1957. It was at Duke that David discovered the true love of his life, Marilyn Nelson, who survives him. They married on June 30, 1956. Marilyn always said David’s favorite things were golf, Chinese food, and her, in that order, but everybody knew Marilyn was number 1; although, golf was surely a close second.
After graduating law school, the newlyweds moved back to Trenton, where they began an impressive and exciting life together. David began practicing law working with State Senator Sido Ridolfi, forming the law firm Ridolfi and Friedman in the early 1960’s. His law career encompassed an extensive array of land use and development work, and he was involved in development and redevelopment projects throughout New Jersey and especially in Mercer County. He represented many local builders and some national developers building apartments, office parks, single family houses, and many other land use real estate projects.
One of his proudest career achievements was stewarding the approvals and advancing the development of Eggerts Crossing Village in Lawrenceville, which provides low income housing in an historically African American section of Lawrence Township. Years later, Fred Vereen Jr., past president of Lawrence Non-Profit Housing, Inc., recognized David as an integral component to the completion of the project.
Amongst David’s additional professional accomplishments were developing low income, senior citizen and family apartment projects, extensive involvement in several community banks, and being a leading force in bringing cable television to Hamilton Township.
David’s favorite place to be was on the golf course. David played golf his entire life, from joining the golf team at Duke to winning the club championship at Greenacres Country Club (now known as Cobblestone Creek) in five different decades. His involvement with Greenacres extended to serving on the Board and as President. His life-long dedication and commitment ensured the ongoing viability of the Club, including spearheading the recent land sale to construct housing, renovating the golf course and clubhouse, and creating a fresh environment for members and guests.
He was an original member of the Falls Country Club in Lake Worth, Florida, and he and Marilyn spent each winter in Boynton Beach for over forty years. He had the first hole in one recorded at both the Falls and Metedeconk National in Jackson, NJ where David was also an original member. One of his crowning golfing achievements was playing at over 1,000 golf courses around the world, including some of the all-time greats in Scotland and Ireland, and even Augusta National while a member of the Duke University golf team. His list of golf friends and acquaintances is endless; David always said he never met anyone he didn’t like on the golf course. He was also one of the original creators and board members for the First Tee of Greater Trenton which provides golf opportunities and life skills to young people.
One of David’s greatest and longest lasting traits was bringing people together. He was a connector always looking to create mutually beneficial personal and business relationships. Countless people looked to David as a resource of knowledge and leadership. His business and personal network was extensive, and he was always looking to combine the expertise of numerous people when starting a new project. He had an uncanny ability to build a team while providing guidance.
He loved to travel, especially to the south of France, developing lifelong relationships with many couples. Enjoying delicious food and wine with Marilyn as his favorite companion made him especially happy.
Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Although spread throughout the country, he had very close relationships with his children and grandchildren, always providing guidance and insight when needed (and sometimes when not).
David is predeceased by his parents, Max and Janet Friedman, his son, Eric Friedman, and brother Richard Friedman. In addition to his wife of 63 years, Marilyn, he is survived by his brother Robert Friedman and sister in law Adele of Los Angeles, California, son Jeffrey Friedman and daughter-in-law Kathy Lee of Berkeley, California; son Steven Friedman and daughter-in-law Heath of Lawrenceville, NJ; daughter-in-law Amy Gutmann of Seattle, Washington; and 7 loving grandchildren: Kelly (and husband Dan Buyanovsky), Margot, Ally, Ben, Lily, Julia, and Louisa Friedman.
He will be dearly missed by many, but he leaves a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Services will be private. The family will hold a memorial service when public gatherings are possible.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either The First Tee of Greater Trenton (www.firstteegreatertrenton.org/ways-to-give/) or The American Heart Association (www.heart.org).
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
We had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Dave and the rest of your family and we were saddened by the news.
We wish you peace and our condolences.
Michael and I send our deepest condolences to the entire Friedman family. Michael played with Dave on many occasions and even cards at the club and so enjoyed being around him. Marilyn and Dave made a formidable couple and the love they shared all could see. He will be missed by many, but his memory and accomplishments will live on through many. May his memory be a blessing to all.
Dear Marilyn, Steve and Family,
Let me express my deep sorrow at hearing the news of David’s passing. He was always kind and welcoming to Kaaron and me. He also provided great support to me in my role as club president. David will be greatly missed by not only our family but many at the club he loved so much. If I can be of any assistance to you in the future please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Fondly,
Bob Ross
To All of the Friedman family I can’t begin to tell you how sad I am to hear of Mr. Friedman’s passing! He was an amazing man! At least 3 days a week my day would start off either seeing him next to me on the treadmill strutting away or seeing him and Mrs Friedman coming in together as I was unlocking the pro shop! I had the pleasure the day the course reopened to play 9 holes with him and you are all very right about his joy on the golf course! Just a poke down the middle and again and again he never wavered! My last memory was the end of last year, it may have been the fall Member Guest and somehow we got to talking about what got me in the business and who influenced me and I mentioned a name..His eyes lit up as he knew who it was. That alone astonished me….He continued for about 45 minutes to tell me stories of god it had to be 40 plus years ago of his knowing our mutual friend…I went home that night so content and happy because of him! He was truly the best and will be missed!
Chrissy
I was both surprised and saddened when I learned that David Friedman had passed away. While my family has only been at Greenacres / Cobblestone Creek Country Club for a few years, we have had the pleasure of knowing both David and Steve Friedman. David has always been gracious and friendly and has even gone out of his way to play a few holes with my 16 year old son on a few occasions while sharing his time and experiences along the way. After reading his obituary it provided even more insight into what a special man he was, and what a full and complete life of compassion, devotion, and service he lead.
I was so sad to hear of David’s passing and I send my deepest sympathies to the Friedman family. David was always friendly, sincere, wonderful to talk to and welcoming to everyone he met. I will miss his presence at the club. I didn’t know many of the things I learned in the obituary–a life well-lived, indeed. Rest In Peace.
Blossom, Mona and Andy Fishmann would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Friedman Family. David was a fine gentleman and well liked by everyone. May he RIP.
I was so sad to read about the passing of David. Such fond memories since childhood …my deepest sympathies to the family.
Dear Marilyn, Steve and all the Family,
What a loss for your entire family, your friends, and the community.
I know that you all grieve his passing, but are still celebrating the wonderful
life you experienced with David. May he Rest In Peace, knowing how much he was loved and appreciated by those who knew him.
In time, I hope that your grief is replaced with the happy memories of David, that you hold close to your hearts.
With deepest sympathy
So sorry for your loss, Jeff and Kathy. I am so sorry not to have gotten to know your father. But knowing you gives me a sense of where your came from – and it’s from great parents!
Dear Steve and Marilyn
So sorry to learn this. We had some lovely experiences at Cobblestone with you and David including a dinner with Mom and Dad when they recommended a wonderful restaurant in Nice , France that we thoroughly enjoyed on a trip there
Barbara and Michael Friedman
As I arrived at The Falls the other day I was told of David’s passing. My wife Lori and I were sadden by the news.
David was a gentleman in every sense of the word. His commitment to The Falls and our members was unwavering. I enjoyed golfing with David and even had the pleasure of playing at his course up north.
May he rest in peace. Best to Marilyn and his family. I know our lives were enriched by having David as a friend.
Richard and Lori Newman
Dear Marilyn, Steve and Family,
My deepest condolence to you and your family, from me and my family. I also speak for members past and present of the Board of Trustees of Lawrence Non-Profit Housing, Inc. and the tenants, past and present of Eggerts Crossing Village. Dave, with his compassion for social justice, caring attitude for others, patience and legal expertise, was the force to help make Eggerts Crossing Village, a reality and a wonderful place for people to live and raise a family.
I am sadden because I lost a dear friend. We graduated Trenton Central High School the same year. We did not know each other at the time, but became partners and friends during the development of
ECV. Dave was four months older than me. I thank God, for letting him share some of his life with us. Though I did not see him that much, I will still miss him.
Dear Marilyn, Jeff, Steven and the entire Friedman Family,
I just learned of David’s passing today and was totally taken aback. Cindy and I wish all of you our sincerest and deepest sympathy. Having known David for pretty much my entire life in many different capacities; as a friend, golfing partner and business partner of both my father and myself, I can tell you that he left a lasting imprint on me with his intellect, compassion, sportsmanship and all around love of life. May his memory be a blessing and inspiration to us all.
Marc and Cindy Weinroth
Dear Marilyn, Jeff, Steven, daughters-in-law and grandkids,
We are so sad to learn of David’s passing. We have felt part of the extended Friedman family since we palled around with Jeff in London during our study abroad, fall 1977, thanks to the warmth, love and generosity conveyed by Marilyn and David over these many years. We were so happy to have spent some ‘quality time’ with them when we coincidentally traveled together from NJ to CA last summer for Kelly’s wedding to Dan. We enjoyed chatting about golf adventures and our mutual love of France. Some things span generations. He will be missed by so many.
We send our thoughts and love.
Nancy and Doug Rohn
Dear, Marilyn and Family,
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rita Pintinalli Scozzari
Dear Marilyn, Steve and family,
Prior to receiving Dave’s obituary, which Peggy Huchet forwarded, I got off a note to you which I hope you’ve received. In contrast to the wonderful tributes paid to Dave, what ran through my mind were a few special occasions when Steve gave me important personal help; help which I have never been able to thank him enough for. My only excuse is when I tried, you all were both in Florida or Dave was playing golf. Participating with Dave, Fred Vereen, Peggy Huchet, Bob Groer, John Zvosec
and many of the Eggerts Crossing residents was a very gratifying experience; and Dave got us across some crucially important issues. Through thick and thin, he was a great partner, fun to be with and his competence was always most reassuring. Needless to say, Dave was always pretty busy, and I didn’t see him as much as I would have liked (I should have been a golfer!), but he was as solid a friend as a guy could have. And as neighbors, with our kids as school mates, made our move to Lawrence Twsp a much richer experience than we would have anicipated…….Our thoughts are with you Marilyn; and memories of Dave will always bring a smile; as I’m sure will be the case with all who knew Dave.
Joe, Dot and family
David was an absolute treasure, I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. There was no absolutely one else that made me feel as welcome at the club as David, he always went out of his way to do so, and his positivity was completely infectious! I used to love chatting with him on the range, he really had an incredible knowledge of the game, and most importantly he was an amazing listener. I’m grateful to have had the privilege of knowing him, he will certainly be missed by all. My deepest condolences to his family at this trying time, prayers and love to all.
Dear Marilyn, Steve and the entire Friedman family,
Meryl and I were so very saddened upon hearing of David’s passing.
We spent such enjoyable times with you both at dinner here and in Florida. He was always a joy to be with.
David and I spent many rounds on various golf courses together and I always looked forward to my lesson.
Our families go back many years in Trenton because Max, David’s father, was very instrumental in our decision to locate in the environs of Trenton. He was a mentor to me and we are forever grateful.
Please know that our hearts are with you.
With our most sincere condolences,
Meryl and Philip Kauff
Dear Marilyn,
Please accept sincere and heartfelt condolences on David’s passing from myself and Nancy. I have known David since Trenton Central High School where we were both on the Golf Team. Those were the bests of days and Dave’s father Max made those days even more special by taking the team out for steak dinners win or lose. Nancy of course has known David since her teen years playing golf at Greenacres. Over the years we had the pleasure of knowing both you and David. David was a wonderful man and both Nancy and myself are so sad that he has passed. We join you and all the family in remembering him and feel so blessed to have known him. Warmest Regards, George Franko
Dear Marilyn,
Phyllis and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family on David‘s passing. Although we are quite sad about his death, we are grateful to have had him and you as friends in our lives. We are thinking of you.
Steve;
I just found out about the passing of your dad. So sorry to hear about his passing. Our deepest thoughts and condolences to you, your mom and the rest of the family and friends.
Edd Leonard and Frank Ocker
We didn’t know David very well, but I do remember how nice he was. My husband, Ken Schwartz, always spoke about what a fine man David was and a good golfer. We had a few lovely evenings together with both of you over the years at The Falls in Florida. I hope your fond memories take you through these difficult days. My thoughts are with you.