8 The QUENS Courier • april 16, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com JACK FRIEDMAN, QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DIES AT 55 LAGUARDIA NOW $2 OFF Expires 04/30/15 With coupon only $2 OFF Any Ride To Manhattan/Queens Minimum $20 Not to be combined with any other offer NEWARK NOW $5 OFF Expires 04/30/15 With coupon only KENNEDY NOW $3 OFF Expires 04/30/15 With coupon only 23-03 Astoria Boulevard • Astoria • 718.204.5861 “LI# B01506” Photo courtesy of the Queens Chamber of Commerce BY LIAM LA GUERE lguerre@queenscourier.com @liamlaguerre Jack Friedman, who played a big role in generating and promoting businesses in the borough as the executive director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, died April 9. He was 55. Friedman, who was with the chamber since 2007, had diabetes and was suffering from a “mix” of health problems, according to representatives from the organization. He was also on dialysis and died just a few days short of his 56th birthday at his home in Bellerose. “Having lived in Queens his entire life, Jack had an intimate knowledge and history, combined with his experience as a small business owner, which allowed him to help countless entrepreneurs,” the chamber’s communications manager said in a statement. “His love of Queens came out in everything that he did and was evident with whoever interacted with him.” In his role as the executive director of the chamber, Friedman managed the day-to-day activities of the organization, including its well-known networking events and seminars, which helped bring the Queens business community closer. He was well respected by many Queens business and political members for his work to promote and enhance the borough. Before chamber president Albert Pennisi recruited him, Friedman was chief of staff to David Weprin when he was a councilman. And prior to that, Friedman owned a video store business. As a lifelong Queens resident, Friedman also volunteered a lot of his time to serve on various civic groups around the borough. He was a member of Community Board 13 since 2008 and served as chair of its Economic Development Committee. He also served as president of the Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council, and was a board member of the Bellerose Jewish Center, Lifeline Center for Child Development and Services Now for Adult Persons (SNAP). “Jack Friedman was a beloved staple of the Queens business and civic community,” Borough President Melinda Katz said. “This is a loss mourned by the entire borough, and our condolences are with Jack’s family during this difficult time. He will be very much missed.” Friedman is survived by his wife, Lorie, and his children, Daniel and Cara. His funeral was held on April 12 at Parkside Memorial Chapels in Rego Park. Jack Friedman is pictured at a recent press conference along with City Councilman Rory Lancman and others. City Councilman Paul Vallone and Jack Friedman
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