Photo: Courtesy of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
Jack Friedman, executive director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and long-time borough advocate and civic leader, died last Thursday. He was 55.
According to published reports, the married father of two suffered from diabetes.
“Having lived in Queens his entire life, Jack had an intimate knowledge and history, combined with his experience as a small business owner, which allowed him to help countless entrepreneurs. His love of Queens came out in everything that he did and was evident with whoever interacted with him,” the Chamber posted to its website.
A graduate of Queens College, Friedman was a member of Community Board 13, the Bellerose Jewish Center, Lifeline Center for Child Development and Services Now for Adult Persons. Prior to joining the Chamber in 2007, Friedman served as Assemblyman David Weprin’s (D-Fresh Meadows) chief of staff when he was on the City Council and chairman of its Finance Committee.
Weprin called Friedman a “champion of autism initiatives” and “a fierce small-businesses advocate.”
“He was loved by everybody and he always did it with a smile. You will always be remembered, my friend. Rest in peace, Jack,” Weprin said.
“Jack Friedman was a beloved staple of the Queens business and civic community,” said Borough President Melinda Katz. “Jack was fiercely committed to making Queens a key center of economic opportunity and prosperity. Jack’s deep love for Queens guided his leadership and activism throughout the community for years, and he was well-respected for it. This is a loss mourned by the entire borough, and our condolences are with Jack’s family during this difficult time. He will be very much missed.”
Friedman is survived by his wife, Lorie, and children, Cara and Daniel.
By Michael V. Cusenza michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
