Lawrence Freiman

1928 - 2021

Lawrence Freiman
February 9, 1928 - April 12, 2021
Lenoir , North Carolina - Lawrence "Larry" Freiman, age 93, of Lenoir passed away Monday, April 12, 2021 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care- Lenoir. He was born February 9, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York to the late David Harold and Amelia Bard Freiman, both of which were first generation Americans. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by one brother, Alvin Freiman.
Larry grew up in Far Rockaway, a small beach resort community on Long Island, New York and after graduating high school he joined the U.S. Army and spent thirteen months stationed on Kishka, one of the Aleutian Islands off Alaska. After his honorable discharge, he enrolled in the School of Business and Finance at New York University where he earned an AB degree in Business. He was always grateful for the G.I. Bill which made it possible for him to go to college.
In 1958 Larry began a 38-year career with Broyhill Furniture Industries as a salesman working out if the New York office. In 1979 he moved to Lenoir working with Broyhill as a Sales Manager, Vice-President of the Premier Division, and later as Vice-President of National Accounts, a position he held until his retirement in 2003.
Larry was a fine violinist and was trained for a career in music. While in high school he was the youngest member of a mostly-adult orchestra sponsored by the National Orchestra Association in New York City, which held concerts in Carnegie Hall, Central Park, and on the New York City public radio station. At the same time, he was also a member of the All-City Orchestra of New York City. As a student Larry often provided the musical entertainment at graduations and other events. He even took his violin with him to the Army and entertained the troops. After his move to Lenoir he often played for weddings, music club shows, and many other events.
Larry was of the Jewish faith and a member of Temple Beth El of Hickory. In addition to playing music, attending concerts and the opera, he enjoyed walking, reading, cooking, and visiting with people. He was interested in everyone and was a great listener, often remembering to ask a friend about some event or illness that was long past.
Larry was a volunteer Tutor/ Mentor for Communities in Schools for 25 years and enjoyed helping students very much. From CIS he received the Mentor of the Year Award. He played violin in the Western Piedmont Symphony and served on the board of Directors of both the North Carolina Symphony and the Western Piedmont Symphony. He was a member of the Community Music Club, twice Co-chaired the Caldwell Arts Council's Sculpture Celebration, and was a member of the Advisory Board of the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center. He was a volunteer for the Annual Fund drive for the Foundation of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute for 30 years. From Western Piedmont Symphony he received the Millholland Award for Service and was inducted into the Appalachian Summer Festival Founder's Society.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 43 years Barbara Foard Freiman, of the home; two daughters, Beth Cannon (Howard) and Susan Freiman; one son, Steven Freiman; granddaughter, Annie Cannon; step-son, Don Baker (Maria); step-daughters, Susan Vernon (Hutch), and Wendy Baker (Jonathon Wilfong); step-grandchildren, David, Stephen, and Elisa Baker, and Scott, Kate, and Claire Vernon; and two nephews, Roy and Neal Freiman and their families.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Belleview Cemetery of Lenoir conducted by Rev. Rob Hinman and Rabbi Dennis Jones.
Due to COVID-19 face masks and social distancing will be required.
In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.
Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Freiman family.