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Jeweler Lenny Friedman, 95, dies
Leonard “Lenny” Friedman, graduate gemologist and co-founder of Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers in Los Angeles, died Friday, one day shy of his 96th birthday.
Los Angeles--Leonard “Lenny” Friedman, graduate gemologist and co-founder of Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers in Los Angeles, died Friday, one day shy of his 96th birthday.
A 67-year veteran of the jewelry industry, Friedman co-founded Crescent-Westwood Jewelers in 1946 with his late wife, Sunny Friedman. The store was re-named Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers in 1998.
Friedman held many positions in the industry. He was president of the California Jewelers Association and president of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California. He was a member of the American Gem Society, and once was honored with the organization’s Distinguished Service Award, as well as the Jewelers’ Security Alliance and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
He was inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in 1994 and also was a recipient of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Family-Owned Business Award.
Outside of the industry, Friedman was president of the Westwood Village Merchants Association and a member of the Westwood Village Rotary, among other organizations.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946 during World War II, and received commendations from Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, as well as numerous members of Congress, city councilmen and county supervisors.
Friedman was preceded in death by his wife Sunny, who died in October at the age of 91. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Donations in Friedman’s honor can be made to the Westwood Village Rotary Club, P.O. Box 24114, Los Angeles, CA, 90024.
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