Family meant everything to Hal Friedman. He was the loving, devoted husband of Eleanor, proud father to Jeffrey, Robin and Bill, and adoring grandfather of Jacob, and Halli who was born shortly after his passing and bears his namesake.

Hal was born in Brooklyn, son of Pauline and William. His birth name was Herman but he preferred to be known as “Hal.” Big brother to Mae and Gloria, he learned Yiddish before English since that was the language spoken at home. In school, his favorite subjects were reading and writing.

At an early age, Hal discovered jazz music and, although he never had any formal training, music was his life-long passion. He loved going to concerts and collecting autographs. Hal was also a big sports fan and enjoyed lifting weights. Heartbroken when the Brooklyn Dodgers left for California, he became a die-hard Mets fan.

A successful businessman, first in manufacturing, then importing, Hal was well liked and known to be a fair and decent man.

Remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, warm and caring nature, Hal always seemed to know the right things to say. At parties, he would grab a microphone, sing a song, and generally have something witty to talk about. This was often a request of family and friends.

To know Hal Friedman was to love him and never forget him. May his memory be a blessing.