Resident of Palo Alto

The family of Mel Friedman announces his passing at home in Palo Alto, CA on January 26, 2023. Mel was a man who lived a life filled with unwavering dedication to family, friends, and his career. Born on July 14, 1938, in Brooklyn, NY, Mel was the son of Carl Friedman and Leah Granowitz. Though he was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Milt and Selma Friedman, his legacy lives on through his three children and their families: Ken Friedman (Kia), Karen Munroe (Will, deceased), and Jillian White ( John). Mel was married to Laureen Marie Friedman in 1966. They divorced in 1999, remaining friends until Laurie’s passing in 2011. They raised a family in Sudbury, MA, until 1989 when they moved to Los Gatos, CA, for Mel’s new job at Sun Microsystems.

Mel received a Mechanical Engineering degree with honors from City College of New York, followed by graduate studies at MIT. This was quite an achievement having been raised by deaf, immigrant parents in a one bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, and losing his father at the age of seven.

Mel was a multifaceted man whose impact was felt by many starting with his career as a mechanical engineer at Polaroid through his retirement as President of Sun Microsystems Electronics. He met the President of the United States, the Prime Ministers of Israel and Ireland, and the First Minister of Scotland, which we believe are testaments to his intellect and drive coming from such humble beginnings.

As a proud Papa to William and Chris Munroe, Nathan Friedman, his 2 step grandchildren Chris and Brandon Feria, and Ruby, Jack, and Hazel White, and step great grandson Fredrik Feria, he will be fondly remembered for his ability to finish a Kimball’s ice cream special, his insatiable appetite for Chinese food (or anything that wouldn’t eat him first), and his love of (often inappropriate) jokes. He held an allegiance and fondness for New York throughout his life, enjoying his home near Central Park, NY, and endless hours touring museums with friends and grandchildren.

His family would love for everyone to share a memory at tributetomelfriedman@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to Henry Street Settlement,Tribute to Mel Friedman, 265 Henry Street, New York, NY 10002. This organization had a notable impact on Mel’s childhood in NY. A family service was held in Sausalito, CA.