Michael A. Friend

Michael Anthony Christopher Friend was born September 24, 1950, the son of Rita and Roy Friend, in Brooklyn, NY. He grew up in Richmond Hill, Queens and attended Archbishop Molloy High School and St. John's University. He was a true child of the 60s - passionately anti-war, anti-violence, anti-nonsense. He was incredibly well read and alive in the world. His interests and intellect ran deep. His love of music, particularly that of the Beatles, was unsurpassed and infectious. He was an accomplished guitarist and played in several bands throughout his life. He notably performed with his closest friend, Paul Krez, as Sweet Morning. They played at various venues around Greenwich Village for many years and graced his cousin Jeannie’s Sweet 16 with a memorable set. When it came to work, Michael was a renaissance man. He was a Master Carpenter, building furniture, houses and among other things, beautiful candlesticks for those close to him. After countless hours in the kitchen with his Yiayia in Washington Heights, he attended culinary school and became a chef, working at a number of fine restaurants in NYC, ultimately joining Restaurant Associates where he was assigned to iconic locations like the United Nations and the US Open. Later Michael became certified in kitchen safety and for many years consulted in that field. While he loved to travel, Michael was a New Yorker through and through. He loved the Mets, the Jets, sarcasm and was on a mission to try every Greek restaurant in the city. Michael is likely best known for his love and devotion to his family, especially his mother, Rita, who he cared for over many years, and his sister Kathleen. You could often find them on the beach, worshiping the sun, the sand and the surf. He lived life with gusto, sharing his interests and knowledge not only with his family and friends, but with anyone he met - in restaurants, bars, grocery stores and laundromats. He couldn’t help but make his presence known. He was lovable and one-of-a-kind. His absence will be deeply felt. He is survived by his sister, Kathleen, Aunt Betty and cousins, Kathy, Diane, Kenneth, Brian, Jeannie, Tina, Catherine, James, Sophia and Tess, Barrie and Allie - and his Godchildren, John Paul and Alexandra. He also leaves behind a lifelong group of friends from Molloy as well as many others he met along his life’s journey. He remembered everyone he ever met, and they remembered him. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday 10AM at St. Mary, Roslyn Harbor. Private cremation to follow.

Michael A. Friend

August 26, 2023