Harris Charles Friedman

He leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years Margie Matelsky Friedman, their children Kenneth Friedman (Megan); daughter Nona Friedman Taitz (Kevin); four grandchildren Katie, Kayla, Josh, and Rollin; and sister Marcia Friedman Kanter.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Harris met Margie when they were just kids. They attended The Ohio State University together and were married in 1965. After graduating in 1967 with his MBA, he went on to earn his PhD from UCLA.

His professional life began in Washington, D.C., where he served as Chief Economist for the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. After years of living in the cold north, he and Margie headed south in search of warmer weather, where he served as Senior Vice President of Savings for American Savings & Loan, in Miami.

In 1982, looking for a new challenge, the family relocated to Atlanta where he became a partner in the consulting firm Kaplan, Smith & Assoc. Eventually, American Savings came calling again - this time asking him to return to Miami to lead the company as President and CEO. Under his leadership, American grew into one of the largest thrifts in Florida, with nearly $5 billion in assets and branches located all over the state.

After retiring from the banking world, he wasn’t quite ready to slow down. He continued to work and consult in the mortgage and real estate industries, with both First Mortgage Network and Lenders Clearing House.

While he had a most impressive career, what mattered most to him was his family. After nearly 40 years in the Sunshine state, Harris and Margie moved back to Atlanta to be closer to their two children and four grandchildren, where he was able to celebrate all four high school graduations, three college graduations, and two graduate school graduations. One of his great joys was being able to take his family on trips to Alaska, Colorado, Maine, Hawaii, and Europe over the years. Another was much simpler, but just as meaningful: sharing ice cream with his grandchildren, always with a big smile and a big scoop.

Harris will be remembered for his gentle wisdom, steady presence, generous heart, and his deep love for his family. He will be missed more than words can say.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday August 8th at Temple Emanuel, 1580 Spalding Drive Atlanta, GA 30350. The family will be receiving visitors at the home of Margie and Harris on Friday following the service and Saturday beginning at 4:00. There will be a minyan on Saturday at 6:00.