Obituary: Sidney Freedman, 93
Sidney Freedman, a passionate, nearly lifelong Atlantan who touched all who knew him with his warmth, honesty, humor and determination, passed away Monday, June 20, 2016. He was 93.
Sidney was the last surviving son of the late Louis and Ida Freedman. His brothers, Morris Freedman, Albert Freedman and Morris Warshaw, preceded him in death.
An Atlantan for almost 90 years, Sidney graduated from Boys’ High and entered Emory Dental School in the midst of World War II. He left dental school and enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as a medic. As he put it, “I didn’t know how long I was going to live, and there was a whole big world out there, so I figured I should damn well go see it.” After the war he returned to find that his dental school credits wouldn’t be honored, so he opened a pawnshop with his brother Morris Warshaw to support his brother Albert through medical school. The business transitioned into the floor and wallcoverings business, Crescent Floorcovering Inc. He retired in 1990.
Sidney was a member of Congregation Etz Chaim and a Scottish Rite of Atlanta Mason. He was an avid Hawks fan and the longest season ticket holder: His booming “Go Hawks!” will be missed from Philips Arena. His love story with Anita is one for the ages. They had a special bond that transcended five children, 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and multiple houses, simchas and tragedies.
Sidney’s hunger for adventure and desire to explore the world never faded, and he traveled far and wide with Anita and their family: China, Israel, Russia and Turkey, to name just a few. Sidney and Anita were each other’s true partners in the journey of life and were soul mates in every sense of the word. Sidney was a beloved husband, a doting father, a “pachepa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a man whose hallmarks — his spirit, wisdom, humor and grace — continue to be a guiding force for his family. Sidney and Anita created rich traditions around holidays, simchas and milestones, and it’s a legacy his family will carry on in the generations to come.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Anita Freedman, and their children: Linda Idelson (Charles) of Fort Myers, Fla., Peggy Freedman (Michael Bressler), Sandra Freedman, Ken Freedman (Robyn), Kathy Schwartz (Herb) and Debbie Shuping (Andy) of Atlanta. He was blessed with 12 adoring grandchildren: Ileanna DiGiacinto (Jimmy), Jennifer Idelson, Monica Idelson, Melissa Bank (Shaun), Michelle Nance (Patrick), Margaux Freedman, Hilary Freedman (Michael), Morgan Freedman (Davis Dolezal), Erica Nooromid (Michael), Chaim Schwartz (Menucha), Valerie Shuping and Graham Shuping. His loving great-grandchildren include Steele and Darrbe Idelson; Jonathan and Dalilah DiGiacinto; Micah, Alexis and Ryleigh Bank; Holden Nance; and Noa Nooromid.
His laughter, humor and jovial nature will be missed by all. Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway, Marietta, GA 30068, or the Jewish War Veterans at www.jwv.org. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, June 22, at 10 a.m. at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Shalom Lewis officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
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