Leonard S. Frieden

NORFOLK – Leonard S. (Lenny) Frieden, born in Norfolk, Virginia, on March 31, 1927, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, at the age of 97.

He was predeceased by his parents, Anna and Samuel Frieden; his sister, Yetta Bornstein; and his two brothers, Joseph Frieden and David Frieden. He was a member of Ohef Sholom Temple for over 70 years and served as president of the Ohef Sholom Temple Men’s Club.

Lenny was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, his wife of 75 years, Jane Leterman Frieden, and his loving and devoted children, Jack Frieden (Jodie), Bruce Frieden (Jeannie), and Cat Frieden Lineberry (Charlie).

He also leaves behind eight grandchildren who deeply loved him: Jessica Frieden Shultz (Brian), Laura Frieden Gibbons (Jonathan), Katie Frieden Moss (Joe), Anna Frieden Schabacker (Brandon), Chris Lineberry (Lynne), Cate Lineberry (Tim), David Lineberry (Alyson), and Jeff Lineberry (Elizabeth). Lenny was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren who adored their PopPop. He was equally cherished by his many nieces and nephews, and for many of those, he was also a much-loved father figure.

A native of Norfolk, Lenny grew up in the Great Depression years and graduated from Maury High School in 1945. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial management from Georgia Tech in 1950. During World War II, he served his country with distinction as a radio operator aboard the U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Speedwell.

He was associated with John Hancock Financial Services since 1951 and served as John Hancock’s General Agent for Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina from 1965 until his retirement from management in 1990. His hard work and dedication played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation of what became The Frieden Agency, one of the largest and most successful insurance agencies in the state of Virginia. He continued to represent The Frieden Agency, John Hancock, and its affiliates until his death.

In 1972, he was honored as the Life Insurance Man of the Year by the Norfolk Life Underwriters Association.

Through his unwavering dedication to his agency associates and clients over a remarkable 74-year career, Lenny made a lasting impact on countless lives. His commitment ensured that millions of dollars in insurance benefits have been—and will continue to be—paid, providing security and support to the families and businesses he served.

Active in a number of civic and professional organizations throughout his lifetime, Lenny served as president of the Norfolk Jaycees, president of the Inter-Club Council of Metropolitan Norfolk, president of the Norfolk Life Underwriters Association, president of the Norfolk-Tidewater Chapter of Chartered Life Underwriters, president of the John Hancock General Agents’ Association, and president of the Corolla Light Community Association in North Carolina.

Lenny had a lifelong passion and talent for writing, which he first pursued as sports editor of the Maury News and later as both sports editor and editor of The Technique, Georgia Tech’s weekly campus newspaper. His love for journalism continued throughout his life, serving as the longtime Newsletter editor for the Corolla Light Community Association—a role he held for 35 years, publishing his final issue just a week before his passing. He also served as a past Newsletter editor for the Harbor Heights Owners’ Association.

Lenny’s optimism and outgoing nature made him a beloved presence in the lives of so many. Even well into his 90s, family and friends marveled at his sharp memory and his ability to recall the rich history of places across the Tidewater area—always ready with a story or the most precise set of directions. His warm smile, quick wit, and sense of humor made him a natural storyteller, delighting those around him with his endless “tapes” of experiences from a lifetime well lived.

A memorial service led by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg took place at Ohef Sholom Temple. A private burial was held prior to the service.
The family requests donations be made to one of the following organizations: Ohef Sholom Temple, Duke University Cancer Center, Corolla Fire and Rescue, or the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.