Barry K. Freedman, career non-profit administrator and passionate baseball fan, died peacefully Dec. 1 after a short illness. He was 76.
Barry is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ava Ehrlich, his sons Alexander Freedman of Oklahoma City and Maxwell Freedman (Chelsea Lauderback) of Chicago. Other family members include his mother Julie Freedman of Chicago, his brother, Dr. Mark Freedman (Dr. Linda Freedman) and sister Winnifred Freedman (Scott Harlan) of Los Angeles. He is preceded in death by his sister, Leesa Goren of Tel Aviv (Dr. Michael Goren), and his father, Dr. Melvin Freedman. Dozen of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews worldwide join his family in missing him desperately and mourning our loss.
Barry enjoyed his southern roots. Born in Lenoir City, TN, the family soon moved to Memphis then Granite City, IL, where he spent his “wonder years.”
He graduated from Vanderbilt University and began a career in public service. He worked for two governors and at many non-profits in leadership roles, including Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, Mid-America Transplant, New Detroit, and the Regional Commerce and Growth Assn. He was selected for fellowship program and MPA at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1983.
He was active in numerous community and religious organizations.
While his career was long and distinguished it was his two boys, his extended family, his fishing buddies, his choir, lunch group, basketball, baseball and his wife Ava who were his world. It was a world full of health challenges and triumphs but the lessons were indelible. It was never, “Why me?” It was always, “Why Not Me?”
He savored every day with gratitude. Having dinner with Ava’s sister Hedy and crew, or the Monday lunch crowd with his “brother from another mother,” BF Helman, Barry loved it all. He was the personification of grace under pressure, courage and the golden rule.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, December 4, at Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman Blvd, St. Louis with burial at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road, Chesterfield.
The family is requesting contributions in memory of Barry to Lymphoma Research at Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University (MSC 1082-414-2555) or online: giving.wustl.edu/oncology. You may also consider Allegro: A St. Louis Choral Community via [email protected] or 1603 Dougherty Ferry, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE
