Leslie Friedman

Born Ladislav “Laci” Friedman on July 8, 1936, in Sátoraljaújhely, Hungary, Leslie lived a remarkable life defined by resilience, family, hard work, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for the freedom and opportunity he found in the United States.

As a young Jewish child in Europe during World War II, Les survived the Holocaust. He endured persecution, separation from his parents, imprisonment at the age of seven, and periods in hiding. His mother was deported by the Nazis and never returned, a loss that remained with him throughout his life.

In 1948, Les and his father immigrated to the United States aboard the Queen Elizabeth and settled in Cleveland. He often remembered seeing the Statue of Liberty as they entered New York Harbor, a moment that came to represent the safety, freedom, and opportunity that would shape the rest of his life.

After arriving in Cleveland, Les learned English, attended school, and worked hard to build a new life. He attended The Ohio State University before transferring to Kent State University, where he earned his degree in accounting in 1960.

While still in high school, Les met Barbara Gelfand, the love of his life. They married on September 15, 1957, beginning a marriage and family life that Les considered among his greatest blessings and accomplishments.

Les enjoyed a long and successful career in accounting. In 1968, he and Sherman Leavitt founded Friedman, Leavitt & Associates. What began as a small accounting practice grew into a successful firm serving businesses throughout Northeast Ohio. Les took great pride in the clients, colleagues, and employees he worked with over the years, many of whom became lifelong friends. He was especially proud to see members of his family become part of the business he helped build.

Above all, Les was devoted to his family. For a man whose childhood was marked by loss, uncertainty, and survival, creating a close and loving family became one of the most meaningful achievements of his life.

Les is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; his children, Lee (Barb), Doug (Ilene), and Lisa (Shelby); his grandchildren, Aly (Aaron), Zak, Samantha (Steve), Jared (Brie), Julian (Aubrey), and Olivia; his great-grandchildren, Lilah, Ada, and Kalina; and his brother, Marvin (Anne) and his cousin Ervin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emanuel, Olga and Cecilia.

In retirement, Leslie enjoyed spending time in Cleveland and Florida, along with golf, tennis, cards, travel, friendships, and, most importantly, time with his family.

His life was an extraordinary journey from a childhood marked by unimaginable hardship to a life filled with family, professional accomplishment, friendship, freedom, and gratitude. He never lost sight of how fortunate he felt to have been given the opportunity to build that life.

Leslie’s greatest legacy is the family he created, the relationships he built, and the example he set through perseverance, generosity, hard work, and devotion to those he loved.

Funeral services will be held graveside on Tuesday, September 8th at 11:30am at Mt. Olive Cemetery in the Cedar-Sinai section (27855 Aurora Road, Solon 44139). To view the service on Wednesday, September 9, please go to YouTube and search Leslie Friedman Funeral Service.

The family will receive friends for shiva at Doug and Ilene Friedman’s home (6513 Woodhawk Drive, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124). Following the service from 2pm until 8pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Jewish National Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice in Les’ memory.