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Ronald Friedman Obituary
June 11, 1942 - September 26, 2023
Miami, Florida - Judge Ronald Friedman passed away suddenly on September 26 at the age of 81. He is survived by the love of his life, Janyce, to whom he was married for 42 years, his stepchildren David (Allison) Samson and Lisa Gatto, and his granddaughters Marusha Gatto and Olivia Rivers Samson. "Pop", as he was affectionately referred to, adored his granddaughters and there was nothing he would not do for them. As part of a tight-knit family, he will be deeply missed by his sister, Judi (Ron) and his brother, Ken (Dale), his nephews Darren (Kara) and Brett (Genevieve) and his great-nephews Jaden, Tyler, Spencer, and Jake, who all fondly referred to him as "Uncle Gorilla". Ron, a native of Miami, was a graduate of Miami High, the University of North Carolina, University of Miami Law School, and New York University (Masters in Tax Law) and practiced law for 18 years in Beverly Hills before returning to Miami where he then served 26 years as a Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge and 2 years as an Administrative Judge of the Appellate Division. Ron proudly held the same seat as his father, the Honorable Milton Friedman, who was a Miami-Dade Judge for over 30 years. He loved the practice of law and after retiring from the bench spent the last 13 years as a mediator and arbitrator. In 2020, he was honored with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award as a leader in the field of law. He served on numerous boards of charitable, service and legal organizations and was an avid Miami Hurricane fan his whole life. He loved playing all sports and was a talented pianist and composer. More than anything, he loved his family and traveling with Janyce, Marusha and Olivia. He always said, "no matter when it ends, I had a wonderful life!" The funeral will be held at Noon on Friday, September 29 at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapel at Mt. Nebo (5900 SW 77 Ave, Miami), and the family will sit shiva at Dale and Ken Friedman's home, (21305 NE 19 Court, Miami) following the funeral on Friday and then again on Sunday, October 1st starting at Noon. The family asks that donations in Ron's memory be made to B'nai B'rith International or the University of Miami School of Law.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Friedman
Susan Bakalar
October 5, 2023
Janyce- I was so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. He was such a nice man. We were lucky to be able to have him as our neighbor and friend - I know you will have a good support group to help you through these difficult days. I lost Marty two years ago. . We were fortunate to have them for as long as we did. Deepest sympathy to you and all your family
Judge Juan Ramirez, Jr (Ret)
October 5, 2023
My deepest sympathy to Janyce and Ron´s entire family. I had the good fortune to be Ron´s colleague where I tried to emulate his calm, rational, and professional demeanor. All our interactions revealed a friendly and considerate disposition.
Robert "Bob" Dulberg
October 2, 2023
My deepest sympathy to Janyce and all of the family and friends of a truly unique and wonderful human being. Yes, Ron was an extremely well respected jurist and, after my years of prodding him to join our firm, mediator. But more importantly, Ron was funny, sensitive, intelligent, kind, considerate, loving and so much more. He will be missed by so many people. If it's true that people will remember how you made them feel, we are all enriched by how Ron made us feel. May his memory and all of the wonderful times together be a blessing to each of you. Sending much love to all of you. Bob Dulberg
Tina Gold Duchon
October 2, 2023
I met Ron in high school when he was a member of Hillel AZA. I was honored to be the sweetheart of that outstanding group of boys. WE HAD SUCH A WONDERFUL YEAR AND RON AND I BECAME GOOD FRIENDS . Rest in peace dear man you have accomplished all your dreamsTINA
Cathy Rundell Murphy
October 2, 2023
Both my husband and I had the pleasure of working with Judge Friedman. He was a warm and caring person and Judge. I would run into him in the building and he always made me laugh. We were so very sorry to hear of his passing. Our condolences.
Dennis and Cathy Murphy
Romana e Marta Ferrario
October 1, 2023
Ron was one of the most warm, caring and clever man we had the honor to meet in our lives. You will stay in our hearts forever. RIP dear Ron and we are send our condolences and love to Janyce and family.
Barbara and Michael Jonas
October 1, 2023
Dear Janyce -
Ron and you lived such a rich and meaningful life together. There really aren´t words that express just how much he will be missed.
With much love, Barbara & Michael Jonas
A little History Story
Ron and I have been friends for over 65 years - beginning when we met as teens delivering title abstracts (and tormenting the office staff) at Miami Title and Abstract Company.
His father´s and my mother´s families have deep roots in Miami (Milton Friedman and Janet Marks went to high school together).
It´s impossible to talk about or explain what our friendship meant and what it consisted of, so I´ll just talk about a medal Ron and I received that many of his family and friends know nothing about, but that reflects his character (and we all know he was quite a character).
Baseball - Ron was a baseball enthusiast (some might say, "Nut").
Barbara and I were living in San Francisco, and when he was coming to the Bay Area, ostensibly for a judges´ conference, he called to ask about my getting tickets to a Giants´ home game.
This was July, and so when I booked the tickets I told Ron to bring a jacket. He laughed and reminded me, "It was July."
On the appointed date, after dinner, we made our way to Candlestick Park (and I brought TWO jackets).
Ron was stunned to see the crowd wearing parkas, huddled under blankets, sipping hot coffee or chocolate...it was ass-chilling cold, with the wind blowing in from the Bay.
Have you ever gone to a ball game with Ron and tried to get him to leave early...good luck with that!
And so we stayed until the bitter end.
Only then did we realize that by staying, we´d earned the "Croix de Candlestick" medal awarded to fans (most likely insane) who watch a full night game at the park.
On the Medal is inscribed "Veni, Vidi, Vixi" ("I came, I saw, I survived") - it was one of our proudest shared moments.
Over the years, Ron´s received innumerable well-deserved awards and recognitions for a life well-lived filled with a profound sense of civic duty.
But through it all, in the backs of our minds, there´s lingered that challenging night which we survived together.
Hal and Sylvia Sawelson
September 30, 2023
Dear Janyce,,
We are so sad for your loss. Hoping that time will heal the pain you are feeling now and the lifetime of memories you shared together will make you smile again.
Fondly,
Hal and Sylvia Sawelson
Fernando
September 30, 2023
You will be missed more than words can express. Your kindness, humor, and friendship meant the world to us. We shall miss you dearly, but I will find peace in knowing that Heaven gained an angel who will always be part of our lives. Thank you Ron. -Fernando & Catherine
Abby Cynamon
September 29, 2023
Judge Friedman was a good judge, but an even better human being. I will always remember running into him in a grocery store about 20 years ago. Not only was he warm and friendly to me, but also he took the time to greet my 8 year old who was shopping with me. Later I had the honor and privilege of being his colleague. My deepest condolences to his family. May his memory be for blessing.
Eric Litwin
September 29, 2023
"Uncle" Ronnie was my godfather and was good friends with my mother from high school. He was so great to me and my brothers and I was sad when he moved from Los Angeles back to Florida many years ago.
He was such a warm and caring person and we were always so excited to have him come and visit. He will be missed.
Barbara & Ed Sirkin
September 29, 2023
Ron was a lovely man... kind and warm. We send our condolences to his family .
May happy and beautiful
Memories warm your hearts and , in time, bring you peace
And comfort.
Fondly,
Barbara & Ed Sirkin
Joan and Gary Canner, Leesburg, FL
September 29, 2023
Our memory of Ron is of a quiet, friendly person who always had a smile and something worthwhile to add to any conversation. He was an active member of the South Florida community. The UM has lost an outstanding Cane, and Miami has lost a "mensch"". Our sincere condolences to the Friedman famiily.
Barbara McGill
September 29, 2023
My Heartfelt Condolences. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Amy Steele Donner
September 29, 2023
I was judge Milton freedman´s law clerk and judge Ron´s colleague and good friend. I am so sorry for the loss of such a lovely man.
Jorge Concepcion
September 29, 2023
Life is so tender,so fragile,so very precious. To Friedman family Thoughs of deep and sincere sympathy are with you at this time. His bailiff Jorge Concepcion
David Young
September 29, 2023
My love goes out to his wonderful family. May his memory be a blessing.
Barbara and Mitchell Lipcon. Lenox Massachusetts
September 28, 2023
Ron was a prince among men. we were privileged to be friends with Janyce And Ron. We have fond memories of our times together. Lots of laughter and great evenings.
We send our love And condolences to the whole family. We are sorry we are not in town to pay our respects. You all will be in our hearts and prayers.
Elaine Bloom
September 28, 2023
So sorry to hear that our community has lost a truly great judge! Philip really loved him -and enjoyed being his "neighbor" in the courthouse over many years. Judge Ron followed in the illustrious footsteps of his wonderful father- and exceeded expectations!
May all his loved ones be spared any further sorrows and be comforted by beautiful memories!
Elaine Bloom and family.
Charlie and Carol Simpson
September 28, 2023
Carol and I have lost a great friend. Carol Elaine Collins Simpson grew up with Ron, and I met him while we were dating over 60 years ago. We were in California together in the early 70s, and enjoyed Ron's visits to our house at Vandenberg AFB and seeing him when we were in LA. Later we often got together in Miami when we were home visiting family, and Charlie and Ron enjoyed many rounds of golf. Caol and Charlie Simpson, Breckenridge, Colorado.
Sydney Newmark Carpel
September 28, 2023
I am so sorry to read this today.
I had not seen Ron in quite a few years but know of his wonderful legacy.
May his memory be a blessing.
I was in high school with Ken. Please accept my condolences.
Gill Freeman
September 28, 2023
He passed too soon! He was a wonderful sweet man and great judge! He will be missed!
Susan (Mishket) Beider
September 28, 2023
So very sorry to learn of Ronnie's passing. I knew him from high school days, knew his father, the Honorable Milton Friedman and we remained friends throughout the years. RIP my friend.
Ware Cornell
September 28, 2023
Judge Friedman was a fine judge before whom I very much enjoyed appearing. I didn´t realize he was Judge Milton Friedman´s son which explains so much.
Stephen i Levine DDS
September 28, 2023
We send heartfelt Sympathy to the Friedman family. Wonderful memories remain, from growing up in Miami and sharing friendships.
Stephen and Cheryl Levine
Barry Diamond
September 28, 2023
A dear friend and classmate, there was no one better. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Kathleen Teller-Stamis
September 28, 2023
Rest in peace, my old friend.
Kathi Teller-Stamis
Judge Eugene J FIERRO. Senior Judge
September 28, 2023
It was such a great privilege to have served on the Bench with Ron for so many years.
There were four (4) of us who graduated UM Law School in 1967-1968 who became Judges.
Ron´s sense of humor and calm presence was only matched by his intellect and courtroom skill.
Wishing the Friedman family condolences and peace as Ron´s memory will be a blessing for all who knew him!
RIP my friend.
Gene FIERRO
Michele
September 28, 2023
I am heartbroken. I worked for the SAO and was assigned to his division back in the late 80's. He was always so kind and compassionate. He will be missed. My condolences to all his family and friends. May his journey continue in peace and his memory be a blessing.
Sandy Schatzman
September 28, 2023
Janyce, I am so sorry for your loss. Ron was a wonderful person and a great neighbor of so many years. He is not gone, he lives in your heart forever.
Sandy Schatzman
Jimmie
September 28, 2023
Judy. So sorry for your loss. Ron was a great guy. ( Jimmie)
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Sep
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Funeral
12:00 p.m.
Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels at Mount Nebo/Kendall Memorial Gardens5900 SW 77th Ave, Miami, FL 33143
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