FRIEDMAN, JOSEPH - Joseph M. Friedman of Bedford Hills, NY, died on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at Northern Westchester Hospital. He was 94. Mr. Friedman worked as a school bus driver and drove the senior citizen van in the town of Bedford. Mr. Friedman was born December 23, 1913, in New York, NY to Max and Sarah Friedman. Shortly thereafter, his parents moved the family to Bedford Hills. He graduated from the Bedford Hills School in 1931. He earned an Associate degree in Commercial Art from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1933. Mr. Friedman served in the Army from 1943 to 1945. He was with the Coast Artillery in Panama, and then with the Field Artillery unit of the 861st Battalion, fighting throughout France and Germany. On October 31, 1946, he married Rose Mescon in the Bronx, NY. Their long and happy marraige lasted until her death in 2004. Mr. Friedman lived in Bedford Hills for the entire 94 years of his life. Locally, he was a member of Bet Torah Synagogue in Mt. Kisco, NY, where, together with his wife, Rose, he edited the synagogue newsletter, called "The Message" during the 1960's. He was a secretary for the local Lion's Club, a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 70 years, served as a volunteer fireman for the Bedford Hills Fire Department, played violin with the Mount Kisco Symphony Orchestra in the 1940's, and delivered Meals-On-Wheels to the elderly in the local community. Mr. Friedman will be remembered for his gentle, caring demeanor, his patience and his sense of humor. He was a reliable man, getting up to go to work every day of his life to support his family, into his 80's. He played small-stakes poker with his buddies every Tuesday night for over 50 years, almost never missing a night. He came out ahead. He is survived by his son, Stanley Friedman and daughter-in-law Lynn, his son, David Friedman and daughter-in-law Julie, his daughter Sharon Sarles and son-in-law Jay Sarles, his nephew Mark Mescon, who Mr. and Mrs. Friedman raised from the age of 11, and three grandchildren, Jessica, Samantha and Marya. The funeral will take place at 12 noon on Thursday October 23 at the King David Memorial Chapel in Mount Kisco, NY. Burial will follow at the King David Memorial Gardens in Putnam Valley, NY. Friends may send memorial donations to Mt. Kisco Senior Nutrition Program, 104 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549.

Published: Thursday, October 23rd, 2008