Lewis Friedman

Lewis Friedman, PhD died unexpectedly at home in Bearsville, NY on Friday, October 11, 2024. Dr. Friedman was a retired tenured Professor of Public Administration at Baruch College CUNY. He was an expert in the field of public sector budgeting and financial management, and an active participant in Baruch College for nearly 50 years. He chaired the Department of Public Administration before becoming Education Director of the National Urban Fellows Program (NUF), a position he held for 20 years. NUF, an independent non-profit organization, became one of the nation's leading programs promoting the graduate education of minorities and women for careers in Public Administration. Elected a trustee of the Baruch College Fund in 2014, Dr. Friedman was a valued and well-respected member of the Development Committee. He also served as a member of the Marxe Dean's Advisory Council from 2008 until his passing. Born in Brooklyn in 1946, his parents Solomon and Freda Friedman then relocated the family to the Bronx off the Grand Concourse. Sol and Freda later moved with his sisters Charlotte and Norma to Co-Op City. Lewis was the first person in his family to attend college, receiving his BA from CUNY, and his MA and PhD from Michigan State University. He authored journal articles and reports to governmental and non-profit organizations on public sector budgeting and financial management. He consulted with public sector and non-profit organizations. Lewis was a consultant for NYC government agencies during the1970's fiscal crisis. Lewis had a longstanding interest in the growth and development of real estate in New York City. He was a philanthropist supporting many causes. Lewis also served on the board of Pathways to Housing, a non-profit organization that provides support services to the unhoused using the Housing First model. Lewis met his wife Lynn Passy on an academic research trip to University of Oregon in Eugene, in 1977. They married shortly thereafter, setting up a home in the West Village with Lynn's two young children Jacob and Anna. Lewis possessed a joie de vivre that his many friends, colleagues and family alike knew well and loved. His wit and humor and love of people is what drew others to him. He was an avid reader of novels and newspapers, loved to listen to jazz, enjoyed art, food, and culture. He traveled the world and always appreciated meeting new people. Lewis was the beloved and devoted stepfather of Anna and Jacob Craycroft, their partners Keltie Ferris and Rachel Birdsall and an adoring grandfather to Aza Birdsall-Craycroft, Hugo Birdsall-Craycroft and Bayard Craycroft-Ferris. With a steadfast faith in the value of individual political action, Lewis cast his early vote for the 2024 election. He died peacefully at home with his wife Lynn beside him. A memorial service will be held at 1pm on October 26, 2024, in the Helen Mills Event Space 137-139 West 26th Street NYC 10001. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made in the name of "Lewis Friedman" to the Baruch College Fund, at the Marxe School, continuing Lewis's life work creating equitable educational and career opportunities through scholarship grants. Online: https://www.alumni.baruch.cuny.edu/donate. To properly route your online donation, please click on boxes "I would like to provide more information about my gift" and "This gift is in someone's honor or memory", typing Lewis Friedman under "In Memory Of." Checks: Baruch College Fund/IMO Lewis Friedman, One Bernard Baruch Way, Box A-1603, New York, NY 10010.  Local arrangements under the direction of the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia.

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