Norfolk – Leslie (Les) Friedman died at the age of 89 on May 15, 2026.
He was born on April 26, 1937, and was a lifelong resident of Norfolk. He was the devoted son of Fannie Gurfein Friedman and Milton Levisohn Friedman, who were successful business owners of the Milton Music Company and other Norfolk business ventures. Leslie was a member of Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk.
Leslie attended schools in Norfolk: Taylor Elementary, Blair Junior High, and graduated from Maury High School. He attended University of Virginia, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce.
Leslie grew up in a home with his parents where music and art was much more than a business venture; music and art were a passion for his parents and through them, Leslie developed a passion and appreciation of music and art in all forms. Leslie, like his parents, was a strong supporter of the art communities, especially Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Arts Festival, Virginia Stage Company, Virginia Opera, and Chrysler Museum, as well as many other charitable organizations.
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra honored Leslie at their November 2014 Annual Dinner as the longest serving VSO board member, as well as a sponsor of the Young Audiences of Virginia – supporting young musicians in the Hampton Roads area.
Leslie also had a love of the United States Navy. This passion came from his years as a boy and young man boating the East Coast of the United States with his father, Milton, in the family motorboats. After graduating from University of Virginia, Leslie joined the Navy on Active Duty and served aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier for four years and qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer and “drove” the aircraft carrier! After leaving Active Duty, Leslie transferred to the Naval Reserve where he served for 30 years, achieving the rank of Captain with numerous Command tours.
He returned to Norfolk following the Navy to work with his parents in their various business ventures. After the passing of his parents, Leslie served as the director of The Fannie Milton and Leslie Friedman Family Foundation, which is a philanthropic organization established in 1996 and recognized for its commitment to voluntarism and philanthropy.
Leslie leaves behind many friends and his love of the art communities in Norfolk.
A memorial service was held at Ohef Sholom Temple. Donations may be made to the Virginia Stage Company.