Richard Ira Freedman

The Graveside Funeral Service for Richard "Rif" Freedman will be available for live streaming (and after) beginning at 11:00 AM on Sunday, July 27, 2025 via the following link: www.emanuelsinai.org/live-streams/.

BOYNTON BEACH - Richard Ira Freedman — known to most simply as “Rif” — passed away peacefully at his home in Boynton Beach, Florida on July 23, 2025, at the age of 92. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 68 years, Joan Levine Freedman, and their three devoted children: Andrew (Andy), Michael (Mike), and Nancy.

Rif’s was a life rich in family, meaning, purpose, and connection. Born on February 25, 1933, in Newton, Massachusetts, Rif grew up as the eldest grandchild at the heart of a large, fractious, loving family — an upbringing that shaped his signature warmth, humor, and insight into people. He graduated from Deerfield Academy and earned an AB from Harvard College (‘54). His deep love for both education and business would lead him back to Harvard later in life to earn an OPM from Harvard Business School in 1981 and an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1992.

Rif began his professional life at Freedman Thread, his family’s business, before joining his father-in-law at Webster Spring Co. in 1958. There, he spent the remainder of his enormously successful business career, rising to President in 1970 and holding that role until he executed the sale of the company to Leggett & Platt (LEG NYSE) in 1989.

At 56, Rif pivoted his life toward his true passion: education. After earning his master’s in education, he worked in development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he combined his gift for connecting with people with his passion for education. In 1994, he founded Research In Philanthropy Associates, a consulting firm focused on educational fundraising.

Rif also gave deeply of himself to causes and institutions that mattered to him. He was a long-time board member of William James College, where his leadership and support were instrumental in the school’s remarkable growth and development. In recognition of his service and vision, the College awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters and named him a Trustee Emeritus, a title he proudly held until his death. He also served with distinction as a Director Emeritus of the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester and was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge of Worcester.

Rif was the embodiment of charm, empathy, and subtle wit. A natural and talented salesperson, he understood people because he truly listened. He was warm, connective, and deeply supportive — especially of his children and grandchildren, whom he adored. His sense of humor was dry, often delivered sotto voce, exposing the absurdity or irony of a moment. Whether it was a knowing quip, a quiet joke, or one of his beloved sayings — like “Get home safely,” “Yittle by yittle,” “Don’t let the bastards grind you down” or simply “Finish up strong” — Rif had a way of leaving people feeling seen, heard, and smiling.

He was also an avid, often suffering Boston sports fan, a longtime season ticket holder for both the Celtics and the Patriots — a love he passed on to his children. (His son Andy still holds the family’s Celtics tickets to this day.) In his younger years, he was a standout goalkeeper on the Deerfield soccer team. Later in life, he found joy in golf and made himself a more-than-capable tennis partner to keep up with his wife, Joan, an excellent player.

Rif is survived by his wife Joan, and their children: Andy (Paula Bellin), Mike (Jennifer), and Nancy Reed (Rob); by his eight grandchildren Rachel, Estee (Matt), Max (Jennie), Leah, Lauren, Jacob, Isaac, and Daniel; and by great-grandson, Eli. He is also survived by his younger brother Larry Freedman (Susan), and his younger sister Joyce Liebman. He was predeceased by his father, Leo Freedman, and his mother, Francis (Harpel) Freedman.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27 at B’nai B’rith Cemetery, 55 St. Johns Road, Worcester, MA 01603. Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home in Holden.

The family will receive visitors following the service until 5:00 p.m. and again from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and on Monday, July 28 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Minyan will be held on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m., all at the home of Andy Freedman.

In every room he entered, Rif left behind a little more light, a little more laughter, and the unmistakable mark of someone who truly cared. His presence will be profoundly missed and his memory cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Gifts in memory of Rif may be made to UMass Chan Medical School in support of the Joan L. and Richard I. Freedman Scholarship. Gifts can be made online at www.umassmed.edu/give or mailed to: Office of Advancement, UMass Chan Medical School, 333 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Checks should be made payable to “UMass Chan Medical School Foundation – Freedman Scholarship"—and should note that the gift is in memory of Rif Freedman.