John Gardes Friedman

John Gardes Friedman Sr., 81, passed away on April 27, 2026, in The Woodlands, TX. He was born on October 25, 1944 in Houston, TX. He graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1962 and then from Notre Dame University in 1966. John served as a Lieutenant in the US Army Transportation Corps (‘67 to ‘69) stationed in Vietnam where he was awarded a Bronze Star. After returning from Vietnam, he started his career as a Certified Public Accountant in the Houston area before moving to The Woodlands and starting his own accounting firm, Friedman & Co. He was continuously active throughout his life serving the community including leading the establishment of a successful new political party in West University Place in 1978. He served 20 years on The Woodlands Municipal Utility District No. 36 board and was a founding member and long serving lector for St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church. He was a volunteer for the Houston Golf Association and at a local foodbank. Some of John’s greatest joys were playing golf with family and friends and talking Notre Dame football each season with his sons. He was a devoted husband to his wife, the beloved father to his children, and the loving Pops to his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents J.B. and Louise Friedman, sister Tess Friedman and brother David Friedman. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Penelope Pritchett Friedman, his children John Friedman Jr and wife Kelsey, Dr. Kyle H. Friedman, Amanda Norton and husband Alan, four grandchildren and his siblings Melanie Geisendorff, Thomas Friedman and wife Clare, J.B. Friedman Jr. and wife Ree Ree and Anne and husband Dwayne Harris.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers you are welcome to make donations in John’s name to St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Drive, in Houston, TX 77007.