Search by Name

Search by Name

LEWIS FRIEDMAN Obituary

FRIEDMAN--Lewis, PhD. Lewis Friedman, PhD died unexpectedly at home in Bearsville, NY on Friday, October 11, 2024. Dr. Friedman was a retired tenured Professor of Public Administration at Baruch College CUNY. He was an expert in the field of public sector budgeting and financial management, and an active participant in Baruch College for nearly 50 years. He chaired the Department of Public Administration before becoming Education Director of the National Urban Fellows Program (NUF), a position he held for 20 years. NUF, an independent non-profit organization, became one of the nation's leading programs promoting the graduate education of minorities and women for careers in Public Administration. Elected a trustee of the Baruch College Fund in 2014, Dr. Friedman was a valued and well-respected member of the Development Committee. He also served as a member of the Marxe Dean's Advisory Council from 2008 until his passing. Born in Brooklyn in 1946, his parents Solomon and Freda Friedman then relocated the family to the Bronx off the Grand Concourse. Sol and Freda later moved with his sisters Charlotte and Norma to Co-Op City. Lewis was the first person in his family to attend college, receiving his BA from CUNY, and his MA and PhD from Michigan State University. He authored journal articles and reports to governmental and non-profit organizations on public sector budgeting and financial management. He consulted with public sector and non-profit organizations. Lewis was a consultant for NYC government agencies during the1970's fiscal crisis. Lewis had a longstanding interest in the growth and development of real estate in New York City. He was a philanthropist supporting many causes. Lewis also served on the board of Pathways to Housing, a non-profit organization that provides support services to the unhoused using the Housing First model. Lewis met his wife Lynn Passy on an academic research trip to University of Oregon in Eugene, in 1977. They married shortly thereafter, setting up a home in the West Village with Lynn's two young children Jacob and Anna. Lewis possessed a joie de vivre that his many friends, colleagues and family alike knew well and loved. His wit and humor and love of people is what drew others to him. He was an avid reader of novels and newspapers, loved to listen to jazz, enjoyed art, food, and culture. He traveled the world and always appreciated meeting new people. Lewis was the beloved and devoted stepfather of Anna and Jacob Craycroft, their partners Keltie Ferris and Rachel Birdsall and an adoring grandfather to Aza Birdsall-Craycroft, Hugo Birdsall-Craycroft and Bayard Craycroft-Ferris. With a steadfast faith in the value of individual political action, Lewis cast his early vote for the 2024 election. He died peacefully at home with his wife Lynn beside him. A memorial service will be held at 1pm on October 26, 2024, in the Helen Mills Event Space 137-139 West 26th Street NYC 10001. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made in the name of "Lewis Friedman" to the Baruch College Fund, at the Marxe School, continuing Lewis's life work creating equitable educational and career opportunities through scholarship grants. Online: https://www.alumni.baruch.cuny.edu/donate. To properly route your online donation, please click on boxes "I would like to provide more information about my gift" and "This gift is in someone's honor or memory", typing Lewis Friedman under "In Memory Of." Checks: Baruch College Fund/IMO Lewis Friedman, One Ber-nard Baruch Way, Box A-1603, New York, NY 10010.
Published by New York Times on Oct. 18, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for LEWIS FRIEDMAN

Not sure what to say?





15 Entries

Aza

December 2, 2024

My Grandpa passed almost two months ago. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about him, and wish I had just a bit longer. Growing up, he felt infinite. He was always there, always so present in my life, that I never even thought about what my life might look like after him. Grandpa Lewis showed up even when I wouldn't ask him to, made me laugh when I wasn't in the mood to, and offered me advice when I didn't know how to ask for it. And he was always right. I miss you so much grandpa. I think about you all the time. I wish you were here.

Mike and Vera

November 26, 2024

Lewis was a wickedly funny man, making rapid connections that resonate with everyone, but that nobody else could think of - and certainly not as quickly. We loved our world travels with Lewis and Lynn to India and to Japan. The significant impact he made in this world was vividly apparent in looking at the faces of his forlorn grandchildren. They and we will miss Lewis so much. With love, Mike and Vera

Keltie

November 15, 2024

Lewis was an incredibly supportive and welcoming father-in-law to me. He knew how to be present and encouraging without being hovering or interfering . It´s a hard thing for any parent of an adult to do. With both gusto and modesty, he set about making a plentiful and artful life for himself and for those around him. I know he had many talents, but from my point of view that he was put on this earth to be a grandpa. He shined brilliantly in this role. So many games and jokes and reliably present- weekly, daily, with his grandkids. So loving and accepting. I deeply mourn that my child who had six beautiful years with him did not have more.

Bayard

November 3, 2024

My Gramps was the best playmate and he told GREAT chicken stories. I love him.

Grace Marsh Scales

November 2, 2024

My dear Dr. Friedman had such an impact on my academic and professional journey. Because of his support, advice and recommendation for the Presidential Management Intern I was able to work for the Cleveland City Council President and then NASA. His commitment to Baruch, NUF and to his students was so obvious and appreciated. I am glad to have seen him in June 2024. He was loved by many.

Matt Goldman

October 28, 2024

I met Lewis for the very first time in the summer of 1980. It was at the LA restaurant, "The Fine Affair." If I recall correctly, the occasion was the 40th (?) Wedding Anniversary of Bluma and Al (Lynn's parents). Lewis was a charismatic force of nature. He was consistent during the decades that followed. Let his memory be a blessing and source of solace for Lynn & family. What a mensch!

Donna Frisby-Greenwood

October 26, 2024

Dr. Friedman was my academic advisor as well as finance and budgeting professor at Baruch during my national urban fellowship. Had it not been for his pushing me to explore and seek growth opportunities, I would not have sought to work at the national level. His tough love and guidance changed my career trajectory. He was an extraordinary person and long-time advocate for equality.

Sherry Friedman Kfare

October 22, 2024

What I remember most about Lewis is his warm and loving smile. His calls to my mom were the highlight of her day. We were so proud of all he achieved. Rest in peace.

Jonathan Engel

October 21, 2024

Lewis´s friendship was such an unexpected gift. I met him while working on NUF recruiting (he stayed active in the program long after he retired) and developed a wonderful friendship with him. Getting together with Lewis was always a treat - laughs, advice, warmth, and support. I will miss him terribly. (I already do.)

Gregg Van Ryzin

October 21, 2024

When I joined the Baruch faculty, Lewis was always very friendly and encouraging to me as his junior colleague. He got me to teach in the NURF program, which I did for several years and enjoyed a great deal. He was very committed to the NURF program, to Baruch students, and to CUNY. Although we saw each other less often as the years passed (and I left Baruch), it was always a joy to cross paths with Lewis. He loved NYC and had a sense of style, and he made people laugh and feel good. I wish I had seen him one last time; I'll truly miss him.

Dr Debra Joy Perez

October 20, 2024

Dr Friedman will always be synonymous with Dr NURF. He is the reason I finished the NUF program over 20 years ago. Throughout my career he was a source of constant mentoring, motivation and guidance. We at NUF loved him! He and his wife hosted Fellow receptions in their home over the years. He made us feel like family. He took such pride in us and our contributions. I owe him so much. Will forever be grateful. A wonderful man. I will miss you Dr Friedman. Which we met for coffee in July!!

Carolyn McLaughlin

October 20, 2024

As a National Urban Fellow graduate (1995) my leadership development began in Dr. Friedman´s class. His belief in his students was unwavering. Thank you for pouring in to me.

Dr. Carolyn McLaughlin
County Legislator
Albany County Legislature

Nancy

October 20, 2024

My brother-in-law was "Mr. New York" to me. He loved to share his city when I came to town. Lewis I will miss your caring heart, humor and the unexpected articles on whatever I was into. You left us all too soon! Rest in peace o

Beth

October 19, 2024

RIP Uncle Lewis, I will miss talking and texting you.

Anna

October 18, 2024

Family beginnings. Lewis was all in. An early lesson for me in how to fully embrace the gifts life brings. Love you forever Lewis.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Memorial Events
for LEWIS FRIEDMAN

Oct

26

Memorial service

1:00 p.m.

Helen Mills Event Space

137-139 West 26th Street, New York, NY

How to support LEWIS's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor LEWIS FRIEDMAN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more