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Belvin Friedson Obituary

FRIEDSON, BELVIN, who rose from the streets of New York to create an innovative multinational corporation, died on Thursday, following a long illness. He was 81 and he made his home in Miami, Florida. The son of Russian Jewish immigrants, Mr. Friedson founded Save-Way Beauty and Barber Supplies in 1963 in North Miami Beach with a handful of investors and just $45,000. The company went public in 1968, became Windmere- Durable Holdings in 1989, and then, in 1999, was renamed Applica. By 2003, its sales approached $750 million. Mr. Friedson left as CEO in 1987, but continued as chairman of the board until 1996. He remained a consultant until 2004. In the 1960's, long before the "global economy" existed, Mr. Friedson's visionary entrepreneurship led him to explore Asia's manufacturing capabilities in Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong. As other American companies gained footholds in these countries, Friedson took an even bolder step. In 1981, he went to the People's Republic of China where he established a manufacturing operation that produced small electrical appliances and ultimately employed 20,000 people. Mr. Friedson's forward-thinking international efforts went beyond the concerns of his company to issues of geopolitical importance. Deeply troubled by the tragic legacy of the Vietnam War, Friedson authored the formation of the U.S.- Vietnam Trade Council in the mid- 1980s, on which he served as founding chairman. The Council sponsored academic exchange programs to foster greater understanding between the two cultures. This organization was instrumental in bringing about the normalization of trade relations with Vietnam, formalized in the U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement of 2001. He attended Miami Beach High School and served as president of the student council in his senior year. In November 2002, Friedson was inducted into the Miami Beach High School Alumni Hall of Fame. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lucille; his daughters Deborah Chud (Laurence) of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, Barbara Garrett (Richard) of Coral Gables, Florida, and Joan Friedson Tonks (Robert) of La Jolla, California; his sons David (Susan), of New York, New York, and Adam (Alison), of Kensington, California; and his ten grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory should be made to either the Women's Emergency Network or the A.C.L.U. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Miami Herald on Jul. 17, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Belvin Friedson

Sponsored by The Garrett Family.

34 Entries

Janet McAliley

July 11, 2021

I will always remember Belvin for his kindness and generosity and leadership on critical national issues.

Laurie Mikus

July 24, 2005

Dear Lucille

Having spent many wonderful years with your family, I was deeply saddened by the news of Belvin's passing. He was truly an extraordinary person. I have many wonderful memories of the two of you-especially summer's in Lenox and sailing in Miami. May the memories of more joyful times spent with Belvin carry you through this difficult time. You both were very special to me. Please send my deepest sympathy to David and the rest of your family. My brother Tom asked me to send his heartfelt sympthy as well.

Sincerely,

Laurie Mikus

Chicago, Il.

Rosemond Hammond

July 24, 2005

Dear Lucille, Please accept my heartfelt condolences. You and Belvin did so much to brighten my life and the lives of many of your social friends. We had such good times with the Greenfields et.al. Now we shall go forward with the energy Belvin, Arnold and Dan left us. Affectionately, Rosemond

Lezlie Lee

July 22, 2005

Dear Lucille & Family -

We are deeply saddened to learn of Bel's passing. He lived life with a robust passion that was matched equally by the generosity he shared, and all of you continue to share, with the world. He accomplished so much that had real impact for the better on others' lives and did it with grace, a love for life and his cherished family, and a belief in doing good. He was such a lovely man...

"Good Night Sweet Prince,

Flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest."

Our hearts are with you.

with love, Kevin Coleman & Lezlie Lee

David Ruben

July 20, 2005

My heart goes out to the entire family with the passing of your father.

I had the pleasure( like so many others) of working at Save Way, and Windmere. I remember the celebrations in the old warehouse in Hialeah when sales reached a million dollars in any given month.He would share his favorite Italian wine in celebration and thank the entire staff.

Under Bel's leadership and later on under David and Barbara's acute leadership the company continued to prosper and become a " darling" of Wall Street.

He was a great leader,father, and visionary.

My heart felt sympathy to all.

David A Ruben

Edwards, Colorado

Betty Beardmore-McQuale

July 20, 2005

Dear Lucille And Family,

My condolences go out to you at your loss. Belvin was quite an accomplished individual as well as a compassionate one. For a time we were neigbors on Hammock Lake and my son , Doug was friends with your son David. One time David came over to help Doug with the yard work but David ended up with the pick ax in his shin. You were so kind.. didn't get upset..just took David to the Doctors. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Betty Beardmore-McQuale,Douglas Beardmore,Marian Beardmore-Hasty

Lisa Whitman Healey

July 20, 2005

Dear Deborah, Barbara, Lucille and family,

It has been over 40 years since our families lived in the Westchester area. I am sending condolences from my father Bob, sister Marsha and brother Billy. My mother Sylvia passed away May 1st of this year. My husband of almost 28 years died from cancer on February 21st of this year. Your father sounded like a wonderful man from all the love and admiration I read about him in this guest book. He will always be with you.

Sincerely,

Larry Chud

July 19, 2005

From a son-in-law:

Having had the excellent fortune to marry his daughter, Deborah, in 1984, I spent a good bit of time with Belvin over the last twenty years of his life - his "retirement" years. My strongest images and memories all reveal his aesthetic, creative, and humane aspect - watching him lovingly select and care for his orchids in Miami and his flowering plants in the atrium of the Lenox house, accompanying him to the farm stands and bakeries of the Berkshires where he chose the ingredients of his daily menu, watching him comb the daily New York Times for novel ideas and perspectives, and playing tennis with him and learning about the latest technique he was trying to master. Bel was a seeker and a tireless student in those years - and, I firmly believe, an artist, with a full artistic temperament in all its stimulating and challenging ways. He was so passionate about some of his views that it sometimes felt scary to advance another perspective. Other times he modified his view as soon as a new piece of information came to his awareness. Until his illness sapped his energy, he never let down his creative pursuit. As many who have signed this guest book have noted, his generosity was bountiful, yet quiet and personal. He always looked for opportunities to be generous and helpful to me and my family. And most precious to me, he deeply appreciated his daughter and entrusted her care to me. He was about as fine a father-in-law as one could wish for.

Dee Eichenberger

July 19, 2005

Dear Lucille, Barbara & David,

It is with sadness that I learned of Belvin's passing. It was an honor to have worked with and for him and all of you. I was fortunate to join the company in 1976 when we were all part of your "second family" and were treated as such. My favorite memory of that time was when the company would hit a million dollar sales month and Belvin would send someone out for champagne so he could toast each of us, his employees, for helping make it happen. I also have wonderful memories of the annual company parties an company dinners with our Chinese partners. Belvin was an employer who truly cared about his employees and he will be missed by those who knew him. My deepest condolences to each of you and the entire Friedson family.

Linda Chalk

July 19, 2005

I wish to extend my sympathy to you, David, Barbara and the rest of the Friedson family.

GLORIA TODD

July 19, 2005

DEAR MRS. FRIEDSON

I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MR. FRIEDSON. I HAVE MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES IN THE 29 YEARS I HAVE BEEN WITH THE COMPANY. MR. FRIEDSON WAS SUCH A GENTLEMAN. ALWAYS HAD A SMILE FOR EVERYONE. HE WAS TRULY A WONDERFUL PERSON TO KNOW.MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS. GLORIA TODD

Marylou Ruiz

July 19, 2005

Dear Lucille, Barbara, David, Joanie,Adam and Debbie.

In life there are many people who cross our paths, but there are always some who are extraordinary and leave a great impact.

Belvin, who will always have a very special place in my heart, was one of those extraordinary people.

It was an honor to be his secretary and to be the recipient of the love and kindess that I received over the years from the entire Friedson family.

My prayers and thoughts are with all of you in this time of sadness but I rejoice for having been blessed for having Belvin a part of my life. I love you all very much and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Stevie also sends his love and condolences.

Love,

Marylou

Jo-Ann Wertz

July 19, 2005

Dear Friedson Family, well the Windmere grapevine reached me all the way to Butler Tn with some bittersweet information. I understand your Father had been ill for some time and for that I know you're all grateful that his suffering is over.

I shall always remember him for not only all his successes but also forming a company that was more like a family. It certainly has been mine, I not only came across old friends, but found sisters that I never had.

Altho I never interacted closely with Mr. Friedson I was always amazed at what a presence he made when he seemingly "blew" in the door at the plant off the Palmetto Expressway, leaving me to think he "has places to go and people to see", and what a silence came over the office upon his arrival.

I know you will all miss him terribly and wanted you to know my thoughts are with you as ever. Sincerely Jo-Ann Wertz

Peter & Kerrin Bermont

July 18, 2005

We are so sorry about your Dad. He must have been an extraordinary man to have accomplished what he did. I am sorry I did not know him.

I can only imagine your pain. It is never easy to lose a parent. I hope He did not suffer.

Milly Herrera

July 18, 2005

Dear Mrs. Friedson:

I wish to extend my sympathy to you, Barbara, David and the rest of the Friedson family. It was sad to learn of Mr. Friedson's passing and I remember you both with immense respect and admiration.

I worked for Save-Way Industries and Windmere Corporation for a total of 15 years. Mr. Friedson built a company where all who worked there felt like part of a big family. I will forever be grateful for the years of employment there, the things I learned, the wonderful memories, all the people I met and the friends I made.

With warm regards,

Ann-Lynn Denker

July 18, 2005

Dear Barbara and Family,

My thoughts are with you. Remebering your Dad....all of the way back to the old neighborhood. A special man.

Mourner's Kaddish

"May His great Name grow exalted and sanctified in the world that He created as He willed. May He give reign to His kingship in your lifetimes and in your days, and in the lifetimes of the entire Family of Israel, swiftly and soon... (The congregation then responds: 'Amen. May His great Name be blessed for ever and ever.') Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled, mighty, upraised, and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed is He (Congregation responds: 'Blessed is He.') beyond any blessing and song, praise and consolation that are uttered in the world.... May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and life, upon us and upon all Israel.... He Who makes peace in His heights, may He make peace upon us, and upon all Israel."

As one can see, there is no mention of the deceased, death or mourning. Kaddish is an affirmation of life -

Ellie Ganz

July 18, 2005

We were all saddened to hear of Belvin's death. He was such a terrific man and we will all miss him. Ellie Ganz and family

Magda de la Cruz

July 18, 2005

Dear Friedson Family,

I'm saddened to hear of Belvin's passing. I started to work at Windmere on my 30th bithday and it quickly became my second home for 25 years. Belvin, Lucille, David, & Barbara all had a way of making you feel part of the family and that they really cared about their employees. I will forever have the Friedson family in my thoughts and prayers. My condolences to the entire family and may God bless you all.

Barbara & Jay Moskow

July 18, 2005

I was at your wedding many years ago. The years that followed were busy, full of achievment and excitement.

Our hearts go out to you all.

MARIBEL LOPEZ

July 18, 2005

Belvin you will be missed by your family and you surely will be missed by those like me who worked at Windmere.

Our condolance to the Family.

Maribel & Armando Lopez

Juan Castro

July 18, 2005

Ketty and I were saddened to hear the passing of Belvin and our thoughts and prayers are with Lucille, Barbara and David; people that we love and were present in our time of need.

Ketty and Juan Castro

Max Corndorf

July 17, 2005

Dear Debbie, Lucille and Family,

I was saddened by the the news of the passing of Belvin. My mother, whom neither of you know, was aware of the affection I had for you both (in fact I moved back to Florida only recently), just informed me of the sad event. While we haven't seen one another in many years, my heart goes out to you.

Roberto Santos

July 17, 2005

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Belvin Friedson. During the many years I worked as a vendor for the company he created (Windmere), he always took the time to say hello to me. I have never forgotten the simple but grand gesture and will never forget it. I send my prayers, sympathy, and condolences to your family.

Roberto Santos

Arnold Perlmutter

July 17, 2005

It is difficult to imagine a world without Belvin, a devoted friend of

unequaled loyalty. His achievements

in so many endeavors were extraordinary,his support of humanitarian causes was generous

to a fault. His wit,his zest for the

very best in life, his exceptio

nal talents, were admired by all of

us. We embrace his beautiful family

and wish them solace in their

recollections of his remarkable life.

Lynn Meyer and Arnold Perlmutter

Alexandra Friedson

July 17, 2005

Dear Family,

I'm deeply sorry for our loss. Poppa was one of the few people I had a close relationship with. Everytime my mommy cries, i see your picture, or just think of old times i know you were uncomftable and i cry but i know it was your desition and u did it for your self and Grandma. We were Blessed with you being in our family!!! After talking with you almost every day, sending you pictures of myself and Emma i know that you couldn't have been more supportive. Thank you for all those wonderful years and I just can't say it enough,I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

Marsha Wisecup

July 17, 2005

It was a very sad day for me when I was told of Belvin's passing. He, Lucille,David and Barbara were very much a part of my life for many years. We all were a family then. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and the rest of your family. Belvin's passing is a great loss to everyone. I will never forget the time I was going to take another job and Bel called me into his office, I was so nervous, he asked me to stay and of course I did and I am glad I did. It was a wonderful time in my life and I will be greatful for being part of the Save-way, Windmere, Applica family

Arlette Magin (Berken)

July 17, 2005

Dear Friedson Family,

I was so sorry to read about the passing of your beloved father today.

I still remember him leading a pack of joggers in the old neighborhood early in the morning. That was when jogging wasn't even "in" yet. I guess he always had that leader instinct and foresight.

My deepest sympathy to the whole family.

Sincerely,

Arlette Magin (Berken)

Selwyn and Rhoda Kent

July 17, 2005

Belvin you will be missed. You certainly will be missed by your family, and you surely will be missed by those who worked with you at Saveway and Windmere. In Yiddish, you were a mensch. We send our deepest sympathies to your family.

Flora and Herb Goldberg

July 17, 2005

Thirty years ago,I went to work for Saveway Beauty & Barber Supplies. Belvin was more than an employer.He was a friend. When there were some health problems in our family, Belvin offered both moral and financial support- and offered from his heart. The Friedson family will always be considered our friends. We were fortunate to have known Belvin. Our condolences to the family.

Bonnie & Steve Hass

July 17, 2005

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Belvin. We send our prayers and sympathy to you. He truly was a great leader of our industry.

All our thoughts are with your family at this time.

Bonnie & Steve Hass

IDOLA ALBRECHT

July 17, 2005

Dear Lucille and Family,

I can't tell you how saddened I was to hear of Belvins passing. It was strange that he had come into my thoughts about a week prior, and I was wondering how he was doing. In fact I thought about you all, and was hoping that all was going well. I want you to know how much I enjoyed working at Windmere and how much it influenced my life. I think about "our family there often" and I will carry those memories of you and your family always. I have to laugh at the time when I was in mail order and the "Pro Care" line of shampoos and conditioners had just been developed, they asked me to call salons to see if I could sell some in. Belvin walked in while I was on the phone and was giving me deals while I was talking to the customer, it worked because I got some sold in, that memory always puts a smile on my face. I think of you all often and hope the good memories get's you through this difficult time. You all are in my thoughts and prayers and if there's anything I can do please e-mail me. My love to you all

Idola & Family

Jerry Rosen

July 17, 2005

Viv and I are so saddened by the loss of our dear,loyal and generous friend Bel. In our minds and hearts our friendship of over fifty years will continue for all the days to come. We love you, Bel.

Viv and Jerry

Janet Bob McAliley Katims

July 17, 2005

Belvin was such a large and important presence. He will be forever cherished and remembered. Janet and Bob

Deborah Chud

July 17, 2005

Thoreau said, "There is an incessant flux of novelty into the world, and yet we tolerate incredible dullness". With my father's death, a little of that novelty has gone out of the world; but because of his originality and enthusiasm, those who knew him have less tolerance for dullness.

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