On June 28, Dr. Arnold Friedman of Potomac, MD, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Arnie was born on June 12, 1947, in Bronx, NY, to Al and Rose Friedman.
Arnie attended DeWitt Clinton High School, then attended NYU, following his undergraduate degree. Arnie received his D.D.S. degree from Howard University and went on to specialize in oral & maxillofacial surgery. After graduation, he established a private practice near the University of Maryland and was active in the Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity. In the late 1980s, his wife, Carol, began working with him at his office. They worked together for 20 years. Often, on the way home, they would stop at the gym in Bethesda. In addition to enjoying a good workout, many wonderful friendships were made.
Arnie met Carol in the early 1970s and bonded over their passion for skiing, adventure travel, art, history, photography, theatre and music. They married in 1975 and built a life of hard work, love and laughter. In his youth, Arnie was fortunate enough to escape the hot summers of New York City at Camp Tranquility in upstate New York. It was there that his talents in art and set design were realized while creating lifelong friendships. Even today, a group of his camp friends meet weekly on Zoom to reminisce and to stay connected.
In 2004, Arnie was diagnosed with a Grade 4 GBM and given months to live. He approached the diagnosis with a positive mental attitude, spirituality and physical fitness. After months of treatment, they planned a trip to Italy with his sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Michael Hoffman of New Jersey. “Live well as long as you can.”
Each year thereafter, Arnie and Carol planned an adventure, traveling abroad to fascinating places where they could explore history, culture, people and food. Most of all, it was an opportunity to capture moments in time as a talented photographer. They traveled to Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, the Caribbean Islands, U.S. ski resorts and especially visiting the four-corner region with dear friends they met during previous travels. Arnie had a zest for life and adventure. From meager beginnings, a loving family, good education, good friends and hard work, it was “a life well lived.”
He is the devoted husband of Carol Friedman, beloved father of Dennis Friedman and Melissa (Brian) Yunes, dear brother of Janice (Michael) Hoffman and cherished grandfather of Laila, Danielle, Sydney, Natalie, Lucas and Miles. Memorial contributions may be made to the Duke Cancer Center Brain Clinic, JSSA or to the Howard University School of Dentistry. Arrangements entrusted to Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home, 202-541-1001.