Friedman, Ross Franklin (Died)

Friedman, Ross Franklin After a courageous battle with cancer, Ross Franklin Friedman died peacefully on June 4th, 2011 at his home in Evanston, IL. Beloved husband of 44 years to Elizabeth Costigan-Friedman; loving father of Niles Charles Friedman (of Washington, DC) and Brendan Joseph Friedman (of Evanston). Ross was the son of Joseph Friedman and Beatrice Staskin, brother of Stuart Friedman all of Philadelphia, PA. Ross graduated from Olney High School and University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and attended John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Ross devoted his life to family, country and community. He was a Commissioned Infantry Officer in the United States Army who served in Vietnam and received the Purple Heart. As a licensed private investigator, Ross was an entrepreneur whose business served the Chicago legal community for over 20 years. In addition, he worked with the US Department of Labor conducting embezzlement investigations. Upon retirement in 2006, Ross joined the real-estate community of Coldwell Banker in Evanston. A resident of Evanston for over 35 years, Ross pursued his passion for education and learning through his service on the Evanston Township High School Board and as President from 2001-2006. Ross was actively involved for 12 years with the Evanston Youth Baseball & Softball Association, coaching little-league teams and was a devoted community activist, working with a variety of local charitable organizations. Ross loved baseball, jazz music, collecting tin toys, reading and travel. A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, June 16th at 6:30 pm, followed by a memorial service at 7:00 pm at Saint Nicholas Church, 806 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society , 820 Davis Street, Suite 400, Evanston, IL 60201. Arrangements by Haben Funeral Home, Skokie, 847-673-6111, www.habenfuneral.com