Rickey Freeman

Richard "Rickey" A. Freeman, beloved husband, father, stepfather, and "Pops," passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, with his devoted and loving wife Joan Himmel Freeman by his side. He fought a long, courageous battle with cancer - one marked by resilience, humor, and tremendous strength - and faced every step with the grace and determination that defined his life.

Born to the late Helaine and Mickey Freeman, Rickey grew into a man whose legacy was as rich and layered as the jazz he adored.

Rickey was the cherished father of Liza Freeman and stepfather of Julie (Brian) Olamit and Nick Epstein. His greatest joy came from being "Pops" to his grandchildren - Avery and Lionel Olamit and Joey Epstein - who learned from him early on that he had an endless supply of patience, stories, and playlists. He was predeceased by his first wife, Lois M. Freeman, and is survived by his brother, David Freeman and nephew, Max Freeman.

A gentleman through and through, Rickey was admired by colleagues, clients, friends, and pretty much anyone who crossed his path. He had a remarkable memory, a dry, quick humor, and a kindness that made people feel instantly at ease. If you ever forgot a date, a name, a historical footnote, or who played trumpet on a particular Ella Fitzgerald recording, Rickey was your man, usually offering the correct answer before you'd even finished asking.

Rickey devoted much of his life to service and philanthropy, particularly through the Jewish United Fund (JUF). His leadership included serving as Fundraising Chairman on the Board of the JUF Young People's Division. Rickey led two Young Leadership missions to Israel and was honored with the JUF Young Leadership Award.

His commitment extended to Action for Soviet Jewry - where he helped launch the unforgettable "$100 for Hot Dogs at Michael's" fundraiser - as well as the United Jewish Appeal, Jewish Community and Family Service (JCFS), Howard Brown Health, Central Park Conservancy, Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, honoring the legacy of his mother Helaine, a Holocaust survivor.

Rickey was also the family historian, meticulously maintaining the family's records, stories, and connections. He understood that remembering was an act of love.

Above all else, music was Rickey's heartbeat. Jazz was the soundtrack of his days, and Louis Armstrong was his constant companion. Pops could identify a song within the first two measures and sing along, always with soul. His grandchildren will forever remember him as the man who taught them that a good life, like a good jazz standard, swings a little, improvises a little, and always ends with warmth.

Rickey will be profoundly missed and forever remembered for his strength, humor, generosity, and the love he gave so freely.

Memorial Service Thursday, 1:00 p.m. CT, at Am Shalom, 840 Vernon Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022. The service will be livestreamed on Rickey's page at www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com. Shiva will immediately follow at Am Shalom. Donations in Rickey's memory may be directed to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Info The Goldman Funeral Group 847-478-1600.