Martin M. Friedman, 92, of Elyria, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2008, at EMH Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born July 22, 1916 in Parma.

He was a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army as an infantry commander. He was captain of Co. 1 Rifle Company 155th Infantry 31st division and served in the South Pacific on the islands of New Guinea, Southern Philippines and the East Indies. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Heroic and Meritorious Achievement, the Combat Infantry Mans Badge, the American Defence Service Medal, American Theatre Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, two Bronze Campaign Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead Beached Landing. At wars end, he was promoted to Major. He was also a founder and charter member of the Jewish War Veterans Post #33 in Cleveland, as well as a Post Commander.

Mr. Friedman was a 1935 graduate of Parma High School. Before enlisting to serve his country, he worked at the May Company in Cleveland, where he met his wife of 66 years, Jean.

After the War, he owned the Elyria Surplus Center and in 1960 moved his business to Vermilion and was the founder and owner of Buyers Fair and Cargo Jewelers and Gallery. Mr. Friedman was a lifelong member of Temple Bnai Abraham in Elyria. He enjoyed travel with his wife and was an avid fisherman, golfer and tennis player.

He was the beloved husband of Jean (nee Bernstein); loving father of Leslie (Joanne) Friedman, James (Shirley) Friedman, Richard (Dotty) Friedman, Denny (Richard) Fogel, Tom (Connie) Friedman; dearest grandfather of 13; cherished great-grandfather of three; brother-in-law to Selma Greenwold and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Fiaman of Cleveland; fond uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Aileen London.

Friends may call upon the family between the hours of 7 to 9 P.M. Wednesday, October 29, 2008 and 6 to 9 P.M. Thursday, October 30, 2008 at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Fogel, 718 Washington Ave., Elyria.

Jewish War Veterans service will be at 12:15 P.M. Wednesday, October 29, 2008, followed by funeral service at 12:30 P.M. at the Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 South Taylor Rd., Cleveland Heights. Burial will be at Bet Olam Cemetery, Cleveland.