Michael E. Friedman

6/11/1949 - 8/21/21

New London - I, Michael E. Friedman, have gone off to the Promised Land. If you want to live forever, then don't stop breathing like I did.

I was born at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, June 11, 1949. My parents Sara and Herman Friedman raised three children. I was the third born, making me the youngest, the best looking, the smartest, and the most fun - but don't tell my older brother Aaron Friedman or my sister Ruthann Friedman Mandelbaum as they may get jealous! Actually, go ahead and tell them because this time I have the last word.

I was a really nice guy, loved my family and really enjoyed a good steak, baked lobster and a good piece of chocolate cake with triple chocolate frosting.

The one special person who made my spirit and soul whole was my longtime love Nancy Apthorp. Every moment spent with Nancy was the best part of my life. Together, we were inseparable, happy and fulfilled.

My proudest accomplishments were my son Sam Friedman, as well as stepchildren, Kyle and Tyler Klewin, and Ashley McAuliffe. I also leave behind many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, dogs, cats and a crew of friends whom I loved dearly.

I enjoyed life, and mine was great. I owned many boats including the "Christeen," the oldest oyster sloop in the country that is now a National Historic Landmark at The Waterfront Center in Oyster Bay, N.Y.; the "Grey," and the "Ethel." I owned two restaurants, the Jolly Beggars and the Anna Christie. I established the New London Counseling Center, I was a life coach to countless people, and I served as a lieutenant in the Mystic Fire Police Department. I travelled the world and had every job I ever wanted to have. I wrote many books on a variety of topics. I learned all that I wanted to learn. I fixed everything I wanted to fix. I ate everything I wanted to eat, and I always looked forward to tomorrow.

My motto was, "We pay different prices for our education. Sometimes we pay with our heart, and other times we pay from our wallet. It doesn't matter how we pay. As long as we learn from it, then we have not made any mistakes. We just paid a different price for our education."

I had some health issues along the way and survived them all, until my two plus years' battle with Merkel cell carcinoma.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Friedman Family Trust. Please mail donations to Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, PO Box 770001, Cincinnati, OH 45277. The Trust will support Special Needs students at Stonington High School.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, at the O'Have Shalom Cemetery, Reynolds Road, located off Boston Post Road in Waterford.

A celebration of my life will be held at the Mystic River Yacht Club following the graveside service. Masks preferred, please. I expect you to have fun and enjoy the fact you did not have to go into work today or pay for today's meal.

Please remember, I am in a good place now, I am no longer in any discomfort. I am okay! Remember me with my huge smile, Panama hat, sunglasses, and my amazing beard.