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Richard Friedman Obituary

Richard William Friedman, of Baltimore City, Maryland, died of complication of Parkinson's disease on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at the age of 84. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Kathleen O'Ferrall Friedman, loving daughters Kathy Lynn Byman and Beth Elaine Wyman, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren, his loving brother, Ralph Friedman (Debbie Milne) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Theodore W. Friedman and Amelia Friedman (nee Goldberg) of Silver Spring, MD.

Richard was a devoted public servant working for Baltimore's Mayor, William Donald Schaefer, Maryland's Governor, Harry R. Hughes and then Governor Schaefer. He spent the majority of his career as a Criminal Justice Advocate and in the final stages, dedicating his efforts to Juvenile Justice, an issue close to his heart. He was a life-long baseball fan supporting the Washington Senators and the Baltimore Orioles through his final days.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to University of Maryland School of Social Work and the ACLU Foundation of Maryland Inc. Baltimore, MD. Internment is private. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Inn at the Colonnade, 4 W. University Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21218.

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

Published by Baltimore Sun on Mar. 14, 2025.

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Rick Barth

April 9, 2025

Rich was so deeply committed to social work and its role in juvenile services. It was a joy to know him and a life lesson to watch him work at his adaptations to Parkinsons. When I arrived as Dean, Rich was very much engaged in helping the school to expand our juvenile justice work and, until very recently, I often had a note in my inbox about an opportunity to do so. I will miss Rich, and his reminding me of all he represented as a dedicated public servant of the highest quality. Condolences to Katy and his family.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Marcella Schuyler

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MARCELLA BROWN SCHUYLER

March 14, 2025

Richard was a warrior for social justice who could be heard by the powerful. I am proud to say he was a mentor through out my career.

Bob Knight

March 14, 2025

My fondest memory of Uncle Richard was going to several Baltimore Orioles games as a youngster and then going to Camden Yards with Richard and Katy. I still have the Baltimore Orioles sweatshirt they bought me all those years ago.
My second fondest memory is from the 1970's when the Baltimore garbage service was on strike. We took a load of trash to the dump and it was an exciting time for a young guy. I don't know why this one has stuck with me, but it has. Rest in Peace Richard.

Nancy McColgan

March 14, 2025

Dear Katie.
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family on the death of Richard. I know he suffered for quite some time and he's now at peace, but that does not take away the deep loss that all of you feel at this time. May you cherish the memories and the life you shared.
Sincerely,
Nancy McColgan

Larry Kamanitz

March 14, 2025

Richard was one of Baltimore“s good people
Always willing to help
He will be MISSED!
Larryk

Marvin Robbins

March 14, 2025

What terribly sad news! Richard was an outstanding guy who I had the pleasure to know and count as a friend for many years as our career paths crossed. He was a soft-spoken yet passionate advocate for justice, and we served together as members of the Correctional Reform Section of the Maryland State Bar Association for many years. Just yesterday I did an extensive search on-line to see if I could find him again...and today I found him in this sad announcement. My sincere condolences to Katie, his daughters, his entire family and his legions of friends. Rest In Peace, Richard.

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Memorial Events
for Richard Friedman

Mar

29

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The Inn at The Colonnade

4 West University Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21218

Funeral services provided by:

Mitchell-Wiedefeld Funeral Home, Inc.

6500 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212

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