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Charles "Chuck" Michael Friedman
Louisville - Charles "Chuck" Michael Friedman passed away on May 29, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky from complications of the COVID-19 virus. He was born on May 16, 1945 in Louisville, KY to Frances (Lipshutz) and Henry Friedman. He attended Whitehouse Elementary and Waggener High School. He graduated from Vanderbilt University, was drafted, and became an officer, in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era. He returned to Louisville and graduated with his Juris Doctorate from the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville.
Chuck was born with extraordinary athletic ability and, from an early age, played a variety of sports. He played intramural baseball and varsity football until he graduated from law school and then became a football referee for 42 years, leading the Kentucky Football Officials Association as President for several years. He was an expert skier, becoming the head of the Paoli Peaks and General Butler Ski Resorts ski patrols for many years. He also was a marathon runner and competitive bicyclist.
He practiced commercial and labor law for over 45 years and only lost four trials in his entire career. Chuck always said, "He took being an Officer of the Court very seriously." In those few words were the essence of the man: honest, hardworking, knowledgeable, caring and a strong advocate for justice. But he will best be remembered for his unique storytelling ability. He could tell the most mundane story in the most fascinating way. He would weave a tale, utilizing carefully chosen words, leading his listeners to an enthralling finish, always ending with his small, familiar whimsical smile. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his wife Dr. Diane Tobin (who loved him more than words can ever express), his children Judi Quirke (Patrick), Craig Friedman (Sarah), Grant Friedman (Hallie), Allie Friedman; his step-daughters Courtnee Bennett and Joslyn Overby (Manny); his grandchildren Madeline Quirke, Parker Friedman, London Friedman, and Ella and Harry Overby and a myriad of friends and colleagues.
Chuck was cremated and his ashes will be buried in Cincinnati, near his in-laws, Harry and Bertha Tobin, at a later date. If you would like to make a donation in honor of his memory you can donate to the Animal Care Society in Louisville where he picked out and rescued his beloved dog Winnie.
Arrangements entrusted to Herman Meyer & Son, Inc. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/louisville/obituary.aspx?n=charles-michael-friedman-chuck&pid=196316921&fhid=7131
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Sharon Dickison (Magruder)
I am sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. I did not know him well or run in his circle of friends but he was always a very pleasant and kind person. Rest In Peace.
John Koon
I am sorry to learn of Chuck's death. Chuck was one of 17 or so of us from WHS Class of '63 that attended Vanderbilt. Chuck and I were on the same dormitory floor and just a couple rooms away from each other our freshman year. We then continued to see each other around campus as we progressed through our time at Vanderbilt. Chuck was a member of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity (the "Zebes") which was a raucous group of guys that was a very good match for Chuck's personality. I was never sure if Chuck changed the personality of the Zebe house to be like him, or the other way around. In either case, I believe that Chuck was very much at home at the Zebe house, and they were glad to have him amongst them. I agree that Chuck was a consummate story teller. He could make an interesting story out of almost any incident. RIP, Chuck.
Judi McMahon (Garth)
I am so sorry to read about Chuck's passing. I always enjoyed seeing him at the reunions and his great smile. He wrote in my yearbook :"I hope you achieve someday all the happiness I now have." What a sense of humor! The quote under Chuck's yearbook picture reads "Fortune favors the audacious." - Erasmus. Audacious he was and will be greatly missed.
Penny Auerbach (Friedberg)
Chuck's first wife, Helen (Desserts by Helen) was my husband's first cousin so we saw Chuck many times over the years even though we never lived in Louisville. He was always fun and did have that quirky sense of humor that others have remembered.
RIP Chuck. You will be missed.
Lee Boylan
Chuck and I were in 7th Grade Core class. In that year Chuck had the audacious humor that irritated some of us (including Miss Rountree) sometimes, but over the years he must have toned it down a bit. At that time Waggener went only to 9th Grade, but each year they added a year so that we graduated the Class of 63.
We last met by coincidence at 9th(?) and Broadway to await a hearing before Local Board 42 and the favorite correspondent of male graduates, Rita Boid. Chuck convinced the Board that soon he would return to college so they should leave him alone, and I comvinced them that I was a Conscience Objector willing to work as a civilian in the national health, safety or interest. Both of us succeeded.
Chuck joined the growing Class of 63 Graduates in that Great Beyond that will welcome all of us eventually.
Until then we will remember them and Chuck fondly.