Jerry Lewis Friedman

Jerry Lewis Friedman peacefully passed away on August 22, 2025, at Candlelight Cove in Easton, Maryland. He was born July 18th, 1939 to George H. Friedman and Joan S. Friedman. A dedicated engineer, respected maritime captain, and beloved community volunteer, Jerry lived a full and purposeful life marked by achievement, service, and a profound love of the Chesapeake Bay. Jerry was a proud graduate of Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, as well as both a Master of Science and a Master of Engineering. He served his country with distinction in the U.S. Army Security Agency as an electrical engineer and project engineer. Continued service as a civilian at the National Security Agency saw Jerry advance to Chief of Research and Development, holding leadership and management roles. Jerry’s passion for boats and the water was equally distinguished. He earned a U.S. Coast Guard license as a Captain for 100-ton vessels and captained emergency service towboats throughout the Chesapeake Bay. He delivered vessels across multiple waterways – from Florida to Annapolis and Long Island to Annapolis. At the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM), Jerry led as lead Captain on both 53-foot and 65-foot historic passenger buyboats, training captains and crew to uphold the rich traditions of the Bay. His commitment to boating extended into education, where he taught navigation and boating courses at multiple colleges, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and other venues. Jerry was a pillar of the local boating community, serving as Assistant Vice President and newsletter editor for the Chesapeake Area Professional Captains Association. He was Commodore of the Chesapeake Mainship group for 20 years, a vibrant community of trawler owners across the Bay and beyond. Beyond his professional and maritime accomplishments, Jerry’s generous spirit was evident in his volunteer work supporting the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of the Midshore, where he provided technical support for essential computer and electronic equipment. He also served in leadership roles of multiple community associations. Jerry shared his life’s journey and love of the water with his wife, Barbara. Together, they enjoyed cruising their 34-foot Mainship sedan trawler, anchoring in quiet coves, and exploring new creeks and waterways along the East Coast’s Intracoastal Waterway. Jerry Lewis Friedman’s legacy is one of quiet strength, service, and an enduring commitment to his family, community, and the Chesapeake Bay. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of the Midshore or the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Jerry Lewis Friedman

July 18, 1939 - August 22, 2025