William Louis Friedman died at age 62, fifteen months after being diagnosed with glioblastoma.

A long-time aficionado of obituaries, Bill loved the history, diversity, food and architecture of his native Los Angeles, alliteration, speed walking through crowds, collecting examples of unintentional humor in depositions or court trials, and lemon meringue pie. He had equal allegiance to Langer’s and Wexler’s, Mel Brooks and Woody Allen. He was proud that he was able to donate a somewhat tasteless poster not previously in their collection to the Richard Nixon Library and Museum.

A second-generation American on one side and a fifth-generation American on the other, Bill would quietly assist individuals who needed help to become legal residents or citizens, and those who wanted to continue their education at California’s public higher education system.

As an attorney, and as a human being, Bill did his best to hold himself to the highest standard of ethics and integrity.

Bill is survived by Jo Eliza Pitesky, his wife of 34 years; his daughters Shana and Chava; his mother in law and father in law Shirl Lee and Sheldon Pitesky; his brothers in law Raymond (Lisa) and Maurice (Mackenzie); and many many other relatives and friends. He took great joy even during his illness in continually opening his home for casual gatherings, Shabbat dinners, home-made kung-pao chicken and his renowned New Years Day samosas.

A funeral service will be held at Mount Sinai of Hollywood Hills on Sunday, April 28 at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shackleton Fund at Bill’s alma mater UCSD (TinyURL.com/ShackletonUCSD), or the American Brain Tumor Association.