Erwin A. 'Ernie Friedman - SAVANNAH - Erwin Aaron Friedman, known by all as Ernie, was born February 11, 1931 in Savannah GA. He and his brother, Karl, were raised by Harry and Rose Friedman. Ernie attended Armstrong Jr. College, the school he regularly claimed provided the best education he ever received. He played college basketball and was known for his great left handed hook shot. He subsequently attended the University of Pennsylvania as an undergraduate. His postgraduate work was done at Emory University School of Law where he graduated first in his class and at New York University for additional training in tax law. In 1951, he married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Weitz, to whom he was happily married for 62 years. They had two children, Stephen and Abby, both of whom live with their families in Atlanta. With two other young attorneys, he founded the law firm, Friedman, Haslam, & Weiner. After a long and successful law career, he began a second career in the real estate development business which included the development of Georgetown. Ernie strongly believed in community involvement and was involved in numerous civic organizations often in a leadership role. He was President of his synagogue, Congregation Agudath Achim for three years and spearheaded the fundraising and construction of the current building. He was President of the Savannah Jewish Federation and served on the board of the Jewish Educational Alliance. Appointed by Governor George Busbee to Georgia's Board of Regents, he served as Chairman of the Board during his term. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving on the Southern Education Foundation for 18 years. He was recognized by several organizations for his contributions and received numerous awards including the Silver Beaver for his work building the new Boy Scout camp, Camp Blue Heron, and the Outstanding Alumni of the Year at Armstrong State College. Despite the numerous accolades he received during his life, Ernie considered his greatest accomplishments his 62 years of marriage to his beloved Mary, his two children, Stephen and Abby, and their spouses, Annette and Harry, and his five grandchildren, Isaac, Eli, Alexandra, Aaron, and Halle. He will be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched for his love of life, particularly his passion for Tybee Island, the back river, fishing, looking for buried treasures in the sand dunes, body surfing in the ocean, and organizing the 10th Street Tybee Jamboree Parade for the 4th of July. The funeral service will be held at 1 o'clock Friday afternoon at Congregation Agudath Achim conducted by Rabbi Ruven Barkan. Interment will be in Bonaventure Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Ernie with a contribution are asked to consider Congregation Agudath Achim - 9 Lee Boulevard, Savannah, Georgia 31405 or Hospice Savannah - Post Office Box 13190, Savannah, Georgia 31416, or a charity of their choice. Please share your thoughts about Mr. Friedman and his life at www.gamblefuneralservice.com. Savannah Morning News March 7, 2014 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries.
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I just learned of Ernie's passing and am deeply saddened. While with the City of Savannah, I had many occasions to work with Ernie and truly enjoyed my dealings with him. He was a consummate professional and a good friend. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Dianne Clabaugh
June 16, 2014
Please accept the deepest condolences of the entire SCAD community in the loss of Ernie, an esteemed member of the Savannah community. I hope that treasured memories of Ernie will provide some measure of comfort to the family he loved so much.
In sympathy,
Paula Wallace
SCAD President and Cofounder
May 16, 2014
Dear Mrs. Friedman,
I was so sorry to hear today of Ernie's death. He was truly a gentleman and a fine example of how to live one's life. He will be greatly missed but his great legacy lives on through you, Abby and Stephen.
Bobby Cleveland
March 20, 2014
Mrs. Friedman I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Friedman's death he was always so kind to me and so were you when we ate together at the synagogue he will be greatly missed. Mrs. melaver's caregiver Deborah. You are in my prayers.
Deborah Andrews
March 9, 2014
Dear Mary, Stephen, Abby and family, Ernie created a beautiful circle of love with all those he touched that will be a lasting tribute to him. Our hearts are with you.
Joe and Barb Madden
March 8, 2014
Such an honorable man. God bless him for all his work here on earth. I will keep Ernie and the Friedman family in my prayers. May he rest in peace.
Tom and Paula Narducci
March 8, 2014
Mary, Abby, Stephen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss of Ernie. He has been a part of my life as my lawyer, partner and dear friend for many years. I'll miss his intellect and energy, but especially his wit. Monday evenings with Ernie at the poker table with his friends was anticipated by all who knew him.
Godspeed my old friend. I'll miss you.
Walter Carson
March 8, 2014
For me, he was just Uncle Ernie, Dad number two, a member of my family. I will miss him injustice that way.
Joel Caplan
March 7, 2014
Ernie represents all that is good in this world, and knowing him has enriched my life.
Monica Narducci
March 7, 2014
We have lost a true gentleman! Our hearts and prayers go out to Mary and the family. May his memory be eternal!
Pete and Mary Jean Liakakis
March 7, 2014
I am sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man.
Jim Plotkin
March 7, 2014
Dear Mary and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Friedmans passing. What a gentleman he was. I so enjoyed him coming by the office. Praying for peace and comfort for his family.
Sincerely,
Kathy Epstein
March 7, 2014
Dear Mary, Stephen and Abby, My heart is with you on the loss of your dear husband and dad. Ernie was active in everything and I personally know of many of his contributions to the Savannah Jewish Community. I pray for your strength and courage at this time.
My deepest sympathy.
Love,
Rachelle
Rachelle Leaf Berliner
March 7, 2014
Dear Mary, Stephen and Abby, My heart is with you on the loss of your husband and dad. Ernie was active in everything and I personally know of many of his contributions to the Savannah Jewish Community. I pray for your strength and courage at this time.
My deepest sympathy.
Love,
Rachelle
March 7, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Rick Wisdom
March 7, 2014
I am saddened to hear of Ernie's passing. I still have found memories of his hospitality to 2 rather ragged looking college graduates a very long time ago. My condolences to the family.
Rich
Richard Herzfeld
March 7, 2014
Ernie was a great man and a wonderful influence on my life. I am forever grateful for his help and guidance. He is in my prayers and is deeply missed.
David Rawson
March 7, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Friedman's passing. May his memory be for a blessing. Sending my love and best wishes to the whole family.
Tovah Melaver
March 7, 2014
So sorry to hear of Mr. Friedmans' passing. Ernie has been wonderful to me over the last 30+ years and I will miss his hard-nose yet at the same time soft-hearted approach to business. What an honor it has been to know him. My deepest sympathy to the lovely and kind Mrs. Friedman and the entire family. Jim my heart aches for you too buddy...and all of Ernies' many, many friends. We've lost a good one here folks. Rest in peace old friend.
Doug Bean
March 6, 2014
I am deeply sadden to hear of the loss of my dear friend Erwin Friedman. My prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.
Elridge McMillan
March 6, 2014
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