VIRGINIA BEACH—Gilbert Reuben Friedman, 88, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 in a local hospital.
He was the owner and president for over 57 years of M & G Sales Co., Inc., the Army & Navy Store on Granby St.
Born in Norfolk, Va., he was the son of the late Bessie Glazer Friedman and Max Friedman.
Gilbert was a graduate of Maury High School, Class of 1944 and attended the University of Virginia where he was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity. Before college he went into the U. S. Army, 36th Infantry Division during W.W. II . During his service he was awarded two bronze stars, two Purple Hearts, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He also toured with the 36th Infantry Band and studied music at the University of Heidleberg.
Gilbert was a charter member of Temple Israel in Norfolk, and was more recently a member of Temple Emanuel in Virginia Beach. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and the Jewish War Veterans of America. One of his great passions was his yard and gardening, where he spent many hours during his retirement.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Trudy J. Friedman; daughter, Laura Friedman Buzard of Norfolk; son, Larry R. Friedman and wife Carol of Virginia Beach; sister, Lois F. Einhorn and husband Barry of Norfolk; grandchildren, Aaron Friedman of Raleigh, N.C. and Rachelle Chapman and husband Chris of Knightdale, N.C.; great grandson, Jeremiah Wycoff of Norfolk; niece, Wendy Brodsky and husband Ron; and a nephew, Martin Einhorn and wife Susan.
Funeral services were conducted at H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., with Rabbi Marc Kraus and Rabbi Michael Panitz officiating. Burial followed with military honors in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Rachelle E. Friedman 1st Party Special Needs Trust, P.O. Box 1943, Norfolk, VA 23501. Online condolences may be offered to the family through www.hdoliver.com.