Poland - Donald Eugene Friedrich, 88, entered into heaven on April 15, 2015 at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Boardman. He was formerly of Hitchcock Road in Boardman, until moving to Poland in 1998.
Donald, affectionately known as "Don" was born June 24, 1926 in New Castle, PA, a son of the late Wilbur and Lora Perkins Friedrich. He lived in New Jersey and Missouri before coming to Youngstown.
During his senior year at Woodrow Wilson High School, he was drafted into the Unites States Army during World War II, serving in the European Theater, including fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded in battle. He received the Combat Infantry Badge and Battle Stars. Don had a deep love for his country.
When the war was over, he returned home and completed his high school education and attended Youngstown State University. He went to work for the Youngstown Vindicator, where he was a District Manager and later became Supervisor in the Circulation Department. He worked there for 40 years, retiring in July of 1988.
Don was an avid bowler and golfer, having been a member of Vindicator Leagues for several years. His pride was bowling a 300 game at age 72. He also enjoyed gardening and attending his grandchildren's sporting events.
He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Don leaves his wife of 61 years, the former Norma Jones, whom he married on April 10, 1954; two sons, Donald (Amy) Friedrich of Poland and Bruce (Susan) Friedrich of Boardman; five grandchildren, Holly Friedrich of North Royalton, Emily (John) Sagle of Fredericksburg, VA, Bruce (Leann) Friedrich of Boardman, Amanda (Michael) Kelley of Fairlawn, and Tim Friedrich of Key West, FL; four great grandchildren, Jackson, Will, Nathan, and Avery; and one brother, Wilbur Friedrich of Fort Myers, FL.
Family and friends will be received on Friday from 4-5:45 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland, where a funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorial tributes can take the form of contributions in Don's name to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 119 Stadium Drive, Boardman, Ohio 44512.
Please visit
www.beckerobits.com
to send condolences.