Jerome "Jerry" Friedman

 Jerome "Jerry" Stanley Friedman

December 23, 1928 – May 1, 2023

Woods Cross, Utah

Jerome "Jerry" Stanley Friedman passed away peacefully at age 94 on May 1, 2023 after a life well-lived. Jerry was a true San Franciscan. Born and raised in San Francisco’s Richmond District, Jerry attended George Washington High School and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley which he began at age 16. He was always involved in some form of entertainment during his school days including performing in school plays, assemblies or comedy events. While in high school during World War II, he performed at various Bay Area military bases as well as the famous Stagedoor Canteen through the USO. He also worked nights during high school ushering at the Geary and Curran Theatres which led to him getting small parts in some of their shows.

Jerry was always interested in broadcasting and spent much of his career in that field. He began as a radio engineer at KLX and KROW in Oakland, was an announcer at KNBC and then moved into sales and management for several radio stations including KYA, KOBY (San Francisco’s first “rock” station), KQBY and KKHI. He was later involved with publishing as the general manager of Performing Arts magazine, ran his own public relations and travel companies and worked for many years in advertising in San Francisco and New York.

Being naturally outgoing and interested in movies and all forms of entertainment, Jerry served for many years as the KGO Radio theatre critic, President of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle (for which a Lifetime Achievement Award was named in his honor) and President of the Palace of Fine Arts League as well as being involved with many other community organizations. Jerry’s real talent was in making people laugh. He was an accomplished show and comedy writer, standup comedian, actor and master of ceremonies. He was regarded as our local Mel Brooks. He wrote shows for the legendary San Francisco Milline Club for many years. He was an active member of the Bohemian Club and St. Francis Yacht Club for whom he wrote and acted in many of their shows over the years.

During the 1960s, Jerry worked in advertising in New York and married Millicent Maxine "Penny" Edwards, the original Tiparillo girl and actress who worked in films with Roy Rogers as well as various television projects. They had a son, David, together. In 1968, Jerry married Roberta "Bobbie" Goodman after meeting her and her children, Glenn and Lisa, at his indoor slot car racing track business in New Jersey. The family moved to Mill Valley and eventually to Greenbrae where they lived happily until Bobbie's death from cancer in 1990. In 1999, Jerry married Judy Bartolomei and moved to San Rafael where they spent many wonderful years together. In 2020, Jerry and Judy relocated to Woods Cross, Utah to be closer to Judy’s family. After the move, they lived an enjoyable life surrounded and supported by family until Jerry’s passing.

Jerry is survived by his wife Judy, son David Friedman, son Glenn Friedman (Suzanne), granddaughters, Alexandra and Katherine Friedman, daughter Lisa Dunbar (Mark), grandchildren Adam Dunbar (Britni) and great grandson Jalen, granddaughter Leah Dunbar, all from California, and stepdaughter Darla (“Dede”) Slagowski (Darrell), grandson Zach Slagowski (Devinie) and great granddaughter Layla, granddaughter Brianna Slagowski and great granddaughter Blake, all from Utah. Jerry was predeceased by his parents Abraham and Clara Friedman and his beloved sister Annette Levy.

Jerry will forever be in our hearts. Even in our deep sadness after his passing, we are comforted by the many memories of Jerry which bring smiles to our faces and laughter to our hearts. To know Jerry was to enjoy him. Jerry truly left this world a better place than he found it.

A private memorial will be held at the Bohemian Club summer encampment in July. Later in the year, a Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s memory to the City of Hope (where he received the Spirit of Life award) or to a charity of your choice.