Bernard Friedman

Bernard “Bernie” A. Friedman, 92, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, with family members by his side. A longtime resident of Deerfield and more recently of The Hallmark (formerly “Brookdale”) retirement community, Bernie was born in New York, to parents Charles and Sarah Friedman (nee Seligson).

Bernie grew up in the Bronx with a loving family who sought to develop his interest in music. Bernie practically self-taught himself to play piano at age 10 after only 2 weeks of lessons. He soon discovered a deep love of jazz. In short time, he became a virtuoso who could play almost anything by ear. Bernie’s beautiful piano playing lit up the room wherever he played entertaining family, friends and small crowds.

Bernie attended the Bronx all-boys DeWitt Clinton High School and played shooting guard for their renowned basketball team. He attended Kalamazoo College and Long Island University but left his studies to volunteer in the US Army when the Korean War broke out. He proudly served for 2 years in the Anti-Guided Missile Outfit at Fort Dix, New Jersey and was later honorably discharged. While at Fort Dix, he met the love of his life and longtime companion Ruth Rebecca (“Becky”) Dixon. In 1955, they married and lived in both Manhattan and Providence, Rhode Island before settling in Deerfield, Illinois with their family. They spent 70 devoted years together and were two peas in a pod.

Bernie began a long career in retail marketing as a Buyer with Aldens Catalog and was later promoted to merchandise manager. He later formed his own company CSM Associates, and acted as a sales representative for numerous major retailers until his retirement.

During retirement, Bernie resided in Deerfield and Lincolnshire until 2017 when he and Becky moved to Chicago to live at The Hallmark where he spent 8 wonderful years cultivating new friendships within the community. Bernie enjoyed trivia and had a vast knowledge of historical facts and places which he was able to recall quickly throughout his life. He became host of Brookdale’s Trivia Night and worked hard to make it interesting and fun for residents to compete. He also loved his weekly poker games with his Brookdale/Hallmark friends. He had a fantastic sense of humor coupled with a kind heart and thoughtfulness. His presence in the Hallmark will be sorely missed.

Bernie was also an avid Chicago sports fan and was fortunate enough to witness and cheer on his beloved Bears, Cubs and Bulls to a few championships during his lifetime.

Bernie is predeceased by his brother Norman Friedman. He leaves behind two loving children, Linda (Neal Berz) and Jeffrey (Jill) and five cherished grandchildren, Sarah, Micaela, Charles, Max and Alexander. Nothing meant more to him than the close and loving relationship he cherished with his family.

Following a private funeral, Bernie will be interred with full veteran honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetary in Elwood, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to “Wounded Warrior Project”.