Name: Celebration of Life for Samuel Friedman Jr.
Start: 2024-01-17T19:00:00.000Z
Location: The Northside Church, (Formerly Northside United Methodist Church)

FRIEDMAN, Jr., Samuel Gregory

Sam Friedman passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 3, 2024. Sam was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on April 22, 1940. He attended the American St. Johns Academy until he transferred to the U.S. in 1955, to attend Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. Following his graduation from Andover, he was granted a full scholarship to attend Brown University.

After graduating from Brown in 1962, Sam worked for Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company in New York and began work on his Masters Degree. He joined the New Jersey Air National Guard. After finishing basic training, Sam moved to Atlanta and worked Amoco Oil Company. He finished his Masters in Business Administration at Georgia State and taught as an adjunct Real Estate Professor. This is where he developed his passion for real estate. He worked with Cousins Properties for several years, and then, in 1971, founded a full service commercial real estate company named AFCO Realty.

In addition to his professional passion, Sam had a passion for helping people and giving back to his community. The list of his community involvement is long. In the 1970's Sam was appointed by Mayor Maynard Jackson to serve on, and eventually chair, the Atlanta Housing Authority Board. He was a Founding Chairman of the Path Foundation. He served on the Board of the Atlanta Kiwanis Club and was recently awarded the Kiwanis Golden Rule Award, the highest award bestowed by that organization. Sam also chaired the Kiwanis Foundation. Sam chaired the USO committee and volunteered at the Atlanta Airport for many years. Always a patriot of the first order, Sam was a Founding Director of the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia. Upon his retirement from that service, he was awarded the Order of Saint Maurice which is the highest award the U. S. Army gives to a civilian.

Sam's personal interests included, running, climbing, hiking, biking, fishing and traveling. Sam earned his pilot's license in his early 40's and enjoyed years of flying with his friends. He was a great supporter of the Outward Bound Organization.

In January of 1982, he met his best friend and soulmate, Susan. Sam was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred McIlhenny Friedman; and his father, Samuel G. Friedman. He is survived by his wife, Susan M. Friedman; his children: Tamara F. Stanton (Michael), Geoffrey T. Friedman (Hope), Jane K. Bennett (Brett), John W. Howe, Joel A. Howe (Katie). He is further survived by his precious grandchildren: Ellie Friedman, Spence Friedman, Lily Howe, Andy Howe, Camilla Bennett, Brielle Bennett, Mackenzie Howe and Jack Howe.

A service honoring and celebrating Sam's life will be held at The Northside Church, (Formerly Northside United Methodist Church) 2799 Northside Drive, NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, on Wednesday, January 17, at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the Family would ask that you make donations to the Northside Church and to the PATH Foundation.

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

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jan. 7, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Friedman

5 Entries

Anne Gower and Jason Darneille

Planted Trees

Ralph and Diane Dahlstrom

January 17, 2024

My wife Diane and I share many fond memories of Sam and of his family, Diane because she grew up with him and is his cousin and I because he was my roommate, had a flame in Boston, and imported his cousin to show off to his fraternity brothers. Our third roommate, Bruce, had the only car among the three of us. Thus I wound up taking Bruce's car up to pick up the girls while Sam went to his Saturday Economics class. That, and other acts of God are the reason Diane and I are married.

All of us loved Sam and we still love his whole family which includes both of us and our offspring. We share their sorrow at his parting, and look ahead to seeing him again in a better place thanks to our Savior Christ Jesus.

Ralph and Diane Dahlstrom

Denise and John Griffin

January 17, 2024

Susan, John and I were deeply saddened to hear about Sam. He was a wonderful person and a good friend to John. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Carol and Paul Muldawer

January 9, 2024

Our deepest sympathy to Susan and the entire Sam Friedman family. Sam had been one of our dearest friends since the day he moved next door to us many years years ago. It all started when he asked Paul to help him find his septic tank in his back yard. We watched his children grow up and made us proud. Susan was perfect for Sam in every way. They were a perfect couple.
Sam and Carol served on the PATH Foundation for 28 years while he chaired this great organization which Bill Fowler also chaired. Sam was a special friend and was always there to give his help and expert advice whenever we asked.
Our hearts are heavy and sad, may he rest in peace. Our love for Sam and his family always.
Carol and Paul Muldawer

Laura Mccartu

January 8, 2024

Sam was a great person and a wise advisor. Georgia Humanities appreciated the opportunity to work with him in our lease negotiations during the pandemic.

We send condolences to his family and many friends and colleagues.

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