Steve Raikin (Greenfield) (1967)

November 5, 2012 - I've just learned from our fellow alumnus Margo Schriver Roach that our dear friend and former teacher, WOODY FRIEDRICH, died peacefully this morning at 5 am. We're very sad that our beloved former math teacher & soccer coach has passed away. I've been in regular touch with Woody's marvelous daughter Susan Friedrich Davis since last year. Susan, together with her siblings and all of her terrific family, lovingly cared for Woody throughout his health ordeal. Indeed, Woody was a marvelous person in every respect, and truly loved our alma mater -- and all of his former students -- with a deep and sincere passion. It was a pleasure to be back in touch with him last year before and during the June, 2011 Boomer Reunion; he was wonderful in the way he gladly helped me locate other teachers, who we subsequently invited to that event. Woody was one of the 8 teachers who we honored at the Boomer Reunion. His modesty and kindness were on full display when he spoke so movingly to representatives of the ACHS Classes of '63 - '70, which you can see on the following video [Starting at 1:55 @ the link below]. [In the video, after speaking, Woody hands the microphone to our wonderful former chemistry teacher, the late Peter Demmin, with whom Woodie was very close. Peter predeceased Woody in 2012]. May Woody Friedrich rest forever in peace, and God bless his wonderful family at this difficult time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzgkqBsMxQU [ Starting at 1:55 ]

* Comments from “I Grew Up in Amherst, NY” Facebook Group Site:

Margo Schriver Roche:  Our good friend and teacher, Woody Friedrich, died peacefully this morning at 5 am. I was so fortunate to have dinner with him recently at my brother's home in Arlington, VA. Woody was in good spirit and spoke so lovingly of his time at Amherst.

David Kuhaneck: I never had Woody as a teacher, but always enjoyed seeing him at various all-class reunions over the years. He was a wonderful human being, and news of his passing saddens me greatly. May his family and friends know happier times soon.

Janet Baumler Thiele:  Oh my, I am so surprised - he looked so well at the last reunion. He was our class of '69 Advisor. I didn't know he had moved from Buffalo. I credit him with getting me a decent grade and regents score in Geometry.

Ellen Ehrenreich Barker:  He was a wonderful teacher and person. Geometry was the only math I was good in!

Linda Baumler Koziol:  I agree with all Janet said. He saved me, by helping me get a good grade in math. Great teacher, and good man.

Peter Slattery: Margo, I remember Woodie when he and you brother played baseball at ACHS and I was a bat boy for the team. They were and are really good guys. Where have the years gone???  May he rest in peace.

Jim Cavanaugh: I grew up three doors down from he and his family on Gresham Drive. Great guy. Very sad to hear this news.

Jim Hughes:  RIP Woody.

Leslie Lucca: He truly was a great man. May he rest in peace.

Barbara Goldberg Bandel: Very sad, I'm sorry to hear that.

Pete Urbanek: Well-spoken Steve.

Steve Raikin: Susan Friedrich Davis has posted the following message on her FB page: "Many have been asking for information to celebrate Dad ~ notice will be in tomorrow's paper.Friday will be visitation at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on N. Ellicott and Mill in Williamsville ~ 4:00pm - 8:00pm. Saturday will be the service at St. Paul's ~ 2:00pm with a celebration to follow at The Eagle House. Thank you all again for all of your love and support ~ it has meant so very much to all of the Friedrich Family!!! ♥

Janis Boyd-Bowman: Thanks for sharing her message, Steve! I will always remember his contagious smile.

* Comments from ACHS Grads Facebook Group Page:

Chuck Genrich: Thanks for this very sad notice, Steve. What a gifted and devoted teacher Woody was...We were Blessed to have him & Peter Demin in our lives to provide gudiance and inspiration---- along with so many other talented ACHS teachers !!

Barbara Goldberg Bandel: Very sad, I'm sorry to hear that.Pete Urbanek: Well-spoken Steve.

Cynthia Cumming: Heartbreaking news - my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Steve Raikin: Susan Friedrich Davis has posted the following message on her FB page: "Many have been asking for information to celebrate Dad ~ notice will be in tomorrow's paper.Friday will be visitation at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on N. Ellicott and Mill in Williamsville ~ 4:00pm - 8:00pm. Saturday will be the service at St. Paul's ~ 2:00pm with a celebration to follow at The Eagle House. Thank you all again for all of your love and support ~ it has meant so very much to all of the Friedrich Family!!! ♥

Janis Boyd-Bowman: Thanks for sharing her message, Steve! I will always remember his contagious smile.