Richard W. Friedman
On January 24th, Richard William Friedman of Abington passed away in the early morning, surrounded by his loving family, after a 14 year long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He is survived by his devoted wife Kerry (Conley) Friedman of thirty years, along with his children; Chloe (28) and boyfriend Cameron Benoit (28), Samuel (26), Jacob (24), and Grace (19).
Richard was originally from Braintree, representing his hometown in soccer, baseball, and track in high school. Following graduation, Richard briefly pursued higher education before branching out on his own, starting a business with his brothers and purchasing Holbrook Community Package & Liquors. Over time, Richard bought out his brothers from the business and became a staple in the Holbrook community: building relationships with regulars, pitching in where he could, and even letting his two eldest work in the store on Christmas Eve. Richard owned and operated a number of other small businesses, but his pride and joy was always “The Store” as his family lovingly called it, and he took pride in his role as a fixture of the Holbrook community.
Outside of his professional life, Richard enjoyed the simple things: waking up early for a run before work, bringing home Chinese for his wife on a Saturday night, waking his children up for church on a Sunday morning, tending to his lawn on a Sunday afternoon. The drive up to his New Hampshire house on Mascoma Lake. Pixar Movies. A cold beer. As he called it, the good life.
While this life he carved out for himself was gradually impacted and affected by his diagnosis of MS in 2009, he remained committed to his family, his job, and his faith. His legacy is cemented by his unwavering commitment to these pillars in his life, and his bravery, fortitude, and willpower displayed over the 14 years he spent battling this disease are a testament to the man he was and the values he carried with him each day. To know Rich was to love him, and he will be missed dearly.
Funeral from the Hurley Currie Funeral Home, 127 So. Franklin St. (Rt. 37), Holbrook on Saturday, January 28th at 9:45am followed by a funeral mass at St. Joseph Church in Holbrook at 10:30am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 27th from 4-7pm. Interment Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.
Guestbook
First Name: Joan
Last Name: Wool
City: Simpsonville
State: SC
Country: USA
Entry Date: 01/26/2023
I am very sorry to hear about Rich. I remember him as fun loving, and I enjoyed many a family visit with you all. My prayers for all of you.
Sincerely,
Joan Wool
First Name: Pam
Last Name: Ryan
City: Abington
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 01/26/2023
I am so very sorry to hear of Rich's passing. Thinking of you all at this time. xo Pam
First Name: paul
Last Name: arnone
City: Marshfield
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 01/26/2023
i can only say that a person like Rich was a special person that i met.He always had a smile an something nice to say when he saw you.He always spoke so highly of his wife an kids and his faith.I thought the world of him an he will be sorly missed. I loved my pal an heaven is getting someone really special.
First Name: Jim and Stephanie
Last Name: Abrams
City: FRANKLIN
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 01/26/2023
Richard’s love for the Lord, you, and his community brought light to the world. With each day, may you gain peace in your hearts and know that the Lord walks with you. Richard’s love will continue to surround you now and always.
First Name: Doreen
Last Name: Dean
City: Braintree
State: MA
Country:
Entry Date: 01/26/2023
I have only memories of Rich that involve his generosity. Every year for more than 20 years he would donate to the free community thanksgiving to make it possible for me to feed over 100 meals each year. Then came December and he was again right there to sopport our Christmas programs in Holbrook. Thank you Rich, you were a fine man who has left a great legacy.
First Name: Mary
Last Name: Barrett StPierre
City: Marshfield
State: AL
Country: USA
Entry Date: 01/26/2023
Kerry & family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. May your precious memories comfort you at this difficult time.
♥️Mary
First Name: Kenneth
Last Name: McCowan
City: Wilmington
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 01/26/2023
Rich was truly a great guy, a great human being . He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, friend and a giver. Thank God Kerry will have the support of his wonderful family. The McCowans
First Name: barbara
Last Name: gaynor
City: holbrook
State: MA
Country:
Entry Date: 01/27/2023
A Righteous Man, rest now ….
First Name: Rene’
Last Name: Donovan
City: Marshfield
State: MA
Country: US
Entry Date: 01/27/2023
I am very sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers???
Rene’ Donovan
First Name: Richard
Last Name: Oakley
City: Middleboro, MA
State: MA
Country: US
Entry Date: 01/27/2023
My first boss was my dad when I worked at his shop in South Boston, but Rich Friedman was the first man who wasn't my father to try to teach me, and give me opportunities to learn and grow. I was 15 and 4 months when I started working for him, and I would be 31 when I would stop working at that store. He was an unwitting external partner to my parents, teaching me how the world works and helping me to create a reward system in my own brain based on hard work and preparation, but also based on innovation. Rich allowed me to try new things in his store, and rewarded me when I came up with new/different ways to do things. As most kids do, we don't value our own parents as much as we should, at the time anyway, so naturally I listened to Rich more so than my own parents at times. He was a driven entrepreneur of course, but he also had a code of ethics that was strong and that he showed you if you looked closely enough. More than anything, I remember how proud he was of his family. The way he talked about them made me realize that they were his greatest achievement, and that's really awesome. I learned so much from Rich, and I will miss him.
First Name: Tony
Last Name: Antonellis
City: holbrook
State: MA
Country: US
Entry Date: 01/28/2023
I first met Rich and his family at Saint Claire,s church Braintree where he and his family utilized the child care room ajacent to the altar. We also used the room because we also had a small child. Later I would cee him at the store where I purchased wine and brandy. His friend and employee Al has been living with us since 2005. I sorry for your loss, but I am glad for him that his suffering has ended. He was a good man. Sincererly Tony Antonellis & family which includes Al.
First Name: Jill and Joe
Last Name: Perez
City: Mashpee
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 01/29/2023
Kerry, Sam and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you all , you are in our prayers.
Fondly,
Jill and Joe Perez
First Name: Patrick
Last Name: Carroll
City: Brockton
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 02/22/2023
Forever etched in my heart.