Richard F. Friel, age 79, was a cherished husband, devoted dad and treasured grandfather who

died on April 28, 2026.

The son of Margaret and John Friel, he was born on August 15, 1946. He grew up in Springfield

Gardens and North Merrick. After graduating from Sanford H. Calhoun High School, he proudly

joined the U.S Navy where he served for four years as a Radar Technician on the USS Essex and

USS Intrepid. After his discharge in 1969 he joined the Nassau County Police Department where

he spent 27 years in the First Precent.

While in the Navy he met his future wife, Frances Waldron, to whom he was married for 56

years. He is survived by his wife and three sons, Michael, Shawn, and Patrick and their wives

Tara, Catherine, and Colleen as well as his grandchildren, Riley, Dylan, Aidan, Emma, Ryan,

Erin, Liam, and Reagan and his sister Patricia McQueen.

He was a gentle soul whose family was his whole life and for many years he coached his sons’

soccer, basketball, and baseball teams. He spent his retired years attending all his grandchildren’s

activities and athletic events. He was their biggest fan. His smile lit up a room, and his belly

laugh will be remembered forever.

In lieu of flowers please make a contribution in his name to the Ronald McDonald House of

Long Island.

https://www.rmhcnym.org/donate/