Robert I. "Bob" Friedman of Canton, Ohio, beloved husband of Diane Bryan Friedman his partner in life for over six decades, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2024. Together, they raised two devoted children: Julie Friedman, of Burlingame, California, and Jeffrey and Deanne Friedman of Buffalo Grove IL. Bob was a cherished grandfather to Madison, Lexi, and Paige, who brought him immense joy.

Born in Bexley Ohio in 1939 the son of the late Louis J and the late Betty Friedman, brother of the late Myron (the late Carol) Friedman, the late Donald (Ingrid) Friedman, the late David (Pam) Friedman, Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law Alan and Terrie Bryan, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.  Bob led a life marked by dedication to his family, profession, and community. A highly respected attorney, Bob practiced law in Stark County for more than 50 years. He specialized in corporate law, nursing home law, estate planning, and probate. Bob's academic journey began at Indiana University, where he earned a B.A. in Political Science, and continued at The Ohio State University College of Law earning a JD and serving as the Associate Editor of the Ohio State University Law Journal. Bob's legal career was distinguished by his tenure as a Partner, Managing Director, and of Council Attorney to  Black McCuskey.  His commitment to the legal community was evident in his extensive involvement with the Ohio State Bar Association and the Stark County Bar Association, where he served on numerous committees and was a Fellow of the Ohio State Bar Foundation. Beyond his professional achievements, Bob was deeply engaged in the Stark County community. He held leadership roles in various organizations, including past Chair of Leadership Stark County, and past President, and Trustee of Interfaith Campus Ministry at Kent State Stark.

Bob was a founding member, past Trustee, and Chair of the First Membership Campaign of Friends of the Stark County District Library, past President and Trustee of the Canton Jewish Community Federation, and President and Honorary Lifetime Trustee of Temple Israel.

Nationally, Bob served multiple terms as Vice President and Chair of the Community Services and Small Federations Committees of the Council of Jewish Federations, now United Jewish Communities, Inc. His dedication to pro bono work earned him the Outstanding Individual Pro Bono Award in 2001-2002. Bob's legacy is one of unwavering service, integrity, and commitment. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched. His contributions to the legal field and the community at large leave an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Funeral services will be Tuesday 1:00 p.m.at Temple Israel, 432 30th St NW, Canton OH, followed by interment at North Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Temple Israel's Rabbi's Discretionary Fund or the Canton Jewish Community Federation-Jewish Family Service.

For Shiva information please contact Temple Israel of Canton Ohio 330-455-5197.