Clifford “Cliff” Friedman

Clifford “Cliff” Alvin Friedman, 77, passed away peacefully on Jan. 26, 2024, at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge.

Mr. Friedman was born on Jan. 8, 1947 in Baton Rouge, the son of Kenneth R. Friedman and Mary Straub Friedman. He grew up in the Greenwell Springs area, graduating from Central High School in 1964. Cliff graduated from Louisiana State University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Following graduation, Cliff was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army through the ROTC program at LSU. These two events would come to shape Mr. Friedman’s adult life – as a civilian in the field of education and an officer in the military reserves.

Cliff began his military career in July 1968 and completed his active duty requirement in 1970. At that time, he was assigned to an active reserve component unit in Lake Charles. Cliff served in the Army Reserves for 28 years, retiring in 1996 with the rank of Full Colonel. During this time frame, Cliff began his career in education, when he accepted a position with the Jeff Davis Parish School System in 1970.

With a desire to move into leadership positions within the school system, Cliff enrolled in the graduate program at McNeese State University. He graduated from McNeese in 1972 receiving a Master of Education degree with a major in Administration and Supervision. Cliff would later complete the requirements for a Masters Plus 30.

Cliff was an employee of the Jeff Davis Parish School System for 36 years. During this time, he would advance from teacher to principal to supervisor and in 1998, he was appointed the parish Superintendent of Schools.

Mr. Friedman retired from the school system in 2004. He was extremely proud of the fact that during his tenure as Superintendent, the Jeff Davis Parish School System ranked in the top five school systems in the state.

Cliff loved his family dearly. His wife Sherilyn of 53 years, whom he affectionally called “Kid” and his daughter Kelly, whom he shared a passion for jogging. But his pride and joy were his two grandsons, Ethan and Cameron. He loved being a part of their lives — picking them up from school, helping with homework — but by far, Cliff loved taking them to LSU football games on a Saturday night. The three, grandfather and grandsons, loved college football.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mary Friedman and his sister Connie F. Conine.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Sherilyn Friedman, his daughter Kelly (Chad) Lopez, his grandsons Ethan and Cameron Lopez and a special aunt, Ruby Benoit.

Cliff will be laid to rest following a graveside service at the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Mt. Lebanon, Louisiana.

Published in Jennings Daily News May 1, 2024