Norfolk — Asher A. Friedman, M.D. FAAD, 91, beloved and esteemed dermatologist, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013.
The son of the late Dr. Louis and Lillie Glasser Friedman of Norfolk, he spent his childhood and early education in the Norfolk Public Schools, then went to Baltimore to prepare for his vocation. Dr. Friedman received his B.A. degree in science from the Johns Hopkins University, then his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. While in medical school, Dr. Friedman also was on active military duty. Following his internship at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, he completed his specialty in dermatology training at Kings County Hospital of Brooklyn, N. Y., followed by a program at Skin and Cancer Hospital of New York City and finally trained with the respected and famous Dr. Francis Ellis of Baltimore, Md. After passing the American Board of Dermatology, he served in the United States Army for two years where he was the chief dermatologist in the Korean War in 1951–1953. He opened a practice in dermatology in Norfolk at the Wainwright Building in the fall of 1954 and a second practice several years later in the Midtown Building. Upon retiring from medical practice in 1997, he enjoyed over 14 years of auditing classes at Old Dominion University as he had extra ordinary powers of learning, memory, and observation and was learned in four languages. During his lifetime, he was director of dermatology at Lake Taylor Hospital for 30 years, was active in the Venereal Disease (VD) clinic of Norfolk, now called the S.T.D. diseases. Dr. Friedman was on the staff of Bon Secours Depaul and Sentara Norfolk General Hospitals.
He was a life-time member of Beth El Temple and was active in the Jewish community, B’nai Brith, Norfolk Masonic Lodge No. 1, American Academy of Medicine and Dermatology, American Medical Tennis Association, American Dermatology Association, and other community activities. Dr. Friedman was an avid singles tennis player, playing from the age of 13 until he reached the age of 87. He and his wife established a scholarship for Jewish Studies at O.D.U. in the Heritage Society.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Ellyn-Mae Friedman; a son, Neil and Ruth Friedman of Richmond; a daughter, Louise and Dr. Alan Schneider of Potomac, Md.; and his grandchildren, Joshua of N.Y.C., Andrew and Samuel Friedman of Richmond, Richard Schneider of Israel, Benjamin and Lindsay Schneider of Potomac, Md.
A graveside funeral service was held in Forest Lawn Cemetery with Rabbi Jeffrey Aronowitz and Cantor Gordon Pilch officiating. Memorial donations to one’s favorite charity. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences at www.hdoliver.com.