Jerry William Friedman

Jerry W. Friedman, father, brother, beloved husband, and grandfather, passed away on March 24, 2015. Jerry is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Jeanette M. Friedman of Austin, TX; daughter Sheri A. Baker of New Cumberland, PA; son Jae Y. Friedman of Austin, TX; daughter Peggy Chenoweth and son-in-law Scott Chenoweth of Gainesville, VA; sister Judy G. Friedman of Pittsburgh, PA and his 5 grandchildren Tiffany, Jacob, Jared, Robby and Timmy. His grandchildren will always remember him as Candy PaPaw because he always had candy is his pocket for them.

Jerry was inspired by many things—his family and friends, the human services profession, Phara’s Restaurant, his Pittsburgh sport teams - Steelers and Pirates and Penn State sports, and of course, a good joke.

Jerry has been a true and cherished friend to many. Mention any state in the nation and he would have a story about a valued friend with whom he had shared a rich and fulfilling friendship. He always had time to help. His passing leaves a big hole in our hearts.

Proud of his Pennsylvania roots, Jerry was born to Millie and Milton Friedman on November 8, 1947 in Butler. He graduated from Butler High School in 1965 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Penn State University in 1969.

Jerry was an accomplished human services leader who said he was blessed to do work that he was so passionate about—and with so many people whom he called friends.

He had an influential career as a practitioner, innovator and mentor. Early in his 45-year career, Jerry served as a County Director in two Pennsylvania Counties and Deputy Secretary within the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Traveling across the country, he served as the Assistant Secretary, Economic Services Administration in Washington State. He concluded his career as a public servant as the Executive Deputy Commissioner, Texas Department of Human Services Department. Jerry then transitioned his career to help human services organizations across the nation as the Executive Director for the American Public Human Services Association. Through all of these roles, Jerry never forgot the stories and struggles of the people he met, and was inspired by them every day.

In 2010, he joined the private sector as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for Accenture’s human services practice. In this role, he pioneered the Human Services Summit at Harvard University. The Summit convenes leaders to share best practices and build relationships. This remarkable community of people serving people will live on.

Jerry’s leadership roles expanded well beyond his day job, as he served on many boards and worked with charitable organizations. Most notably, he was elected by his peers to chair Tech America’s Human Services IT Advisory Group. As a member of boards for Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, Chapin Hall Center for Children, University of Chicago, and Rural Assistance Center, University of North Dakota, Jerry made a remarkable impact on policy, regulation—and many people’s lives.

Recognized throughout his career for his accomplishments, Jerry was most proud to receive the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the American Public Human Services Association and the 2013 Consulting Magazine’s Top 25 Consultants Award for Excellence in the Public Sector.

Jerry was admired by those who knew him for his courage, selflessness, eloquence and empathy. He leaves a legacy of optimism—that people working toward a common purpose can change the world—and make friends along the way.

Jerry’s family and friends will gather to celebrate his life at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hill Funeral Home at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 28, 2015.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to NEW: Paths, the National Eligibility Workers Association, PO Box 243466, Anchorage, AK 99524 - 3466 in his honor.