Royce Hobart Friedman

1926 - 2025

Royce Hobart Friedman
05/18/1926 - 09/21/2025
Royce Hobart Friedman, President of Standard Oil of Connecticut, died of natural causes on September 21, 2025, at his home in Fairfield, CT. He was 99 years old.
Royce Friedman was born in Bridgeport, CT, son of the late Irving and Esther Friedman of Stratford, CT. Upon graduating from Stratford High School in June of 1944, Roy enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Petty Officer 2nd class aboard an amphibious supply ship in the Pacific Theatre. Roy's job was to ferry troops and supplies to shore during amphibious landings. When under attack during Japanese kamikaze raids, Roy served as a spotter on one the ship's anti-aircraft batteries where he would identify enemy aircraft and direct outgoing fire. Roy received medals for service in the Philippines, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, New Caledonia, and Guam war zones. Roy's ship survived a typhoon at sea with 120 mile an hour winds and 90 foot waves. After the Japanese surrender, his ship was one of the first to land on the Japanese mainland.
After discharge from the Navy. Roy returned to his hometown in Stratford, CT. He graduated from the University of Bridgeport and is the recipient of their Distinguished Alumnae Service Award. He spent his professional career in the petroleum industry expanding and diversifying a small, family-owned coal company established in 1913, into one of the largest privately-owned oil companies in the state. When asked about his seven-day workweeks, he would frequently recite the motto, "My work is my hobby," a testament to his work ethic leading to a long, healthy life.
Today, 108 years later, the small business has grown into a leader in its industry comprising Standard Oil of Connecticut, Standard Insurance, Standard Petroleum, Standard Security Systems and Standard Specialty Chemicals. Recognized as a model for business excellence in 2008, Standard Oil won the International Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence from the Better Business Bureau.
Roy served on numerous local and state boards including the Stratford Commissioner of WWII Veterans, Board Associate of the University of Bridgeport and Board Member of the Alzheimer's Association. At the Jewish Home for the Elderly, he served on the Board of Directors and earned the distinguished title of Honorary Director for Life. There, he created The Roy and Aline Friedman Medical Home Care Agency. He also served as director of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association and the National Energy and Fuels Institute. Roy had lifelong interests in antique cars and horseback riding.
Roy was a known supporter of philanthropic initiatives and in 2010, was a recipient of the Arthur and Gladys Lunin Humanitarian Award, in recognition of outstanding public and community service. He supported the Connecticut Children's Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Center of Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County. In 2021, he was honored as a U.S. Military Hero of the Game by The Bridgeport Sound Tigers, American Hockey League.
Roy and Aline Friedman have been married for 67 years. He is survived by his wife Aline, three daughters, two sons-in-law, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Joy Hoffman and sons Paul, Andrew and Daniel of Fairfield, CT, Leslie and David Kramer and children Caroline, Jennifer and Allison of Ridgefield, CT; Nancy and David Cohen and children Jessica, Jeff and Peter of Fairfield, CT.
Roy will be remembered for his devotion to his family, generosity, compassion, philanthropy and, his unparalleled work ethic. Funeral services will be private. Shiva Services will be held on Thursday, September 25th, 5-8 p.m., at Mozaic Senior Life, 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Alzheimer's Association, 10 Executive Drive, Suite 202, Farmington, CT 06032.
Arrangements made by Sholom Chapel located at 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902.