Richard Samuel Friedman

New Orleans, Louisiana – Richard Samuel Friedman, devoted husband, father, retired banker, Vietnam Veteran and philanthropist, passed away at the age of 81 in the early morning of July 7, 2025, with his loving wife, Linda Norman Friedman at his side. Born on May 8, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa, Richard was the son of Harriet and Abe J. Friedman. He graduated from Harvard University and served in Vietnam as an infantry officer. A New Orleans resident for over 50 years, he was an active member of the New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club, Rotary Club and Jewish Community Center. Richard was an enthusiastic tennis player and never missed an opportunity for a challenging tennis game. He was an active member of Touro Synagogue and regular contributor to its Shabbat Morning Weekly Torah Study. Additionally, he supported several other organizations throughout the Greater New Orleans Jewish Community and community at large. He freely gave his time, talent and treasure to numerous charitable organizations. Richard’s generosity was only exceeded by his sense of humor and appreciation of the special humanity of everyone who came into his life. He had an infectious smile and freely gave compliments to everyone who crossed his path. Richard is preceded in death by his precious son, Brian Roussel Friedman. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-three years, Linda Norman Friedman; sister, Margo Friedman; brother-in-law, Maurice Frank Norman; sister-in-law, Sandra Norman; niece, Lisa Friedman (Philip) Miller; nephews, Mark (Alex) Friedman and Kenneth (Elizabeth Lempert) Norman; and many friends. A lover of dogs, he will be sorely missed by his faithful, canine friend, Muffin.

Funeral Services will be held at the Touro Synagogue Chapel, 4238 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115 on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:30 AM. Interment at Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3, 2101 Pelopidas St, New Orleans, LA 70122 will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.