QUEENS— Jack Friedman, the president of the borough's chamber of commerce, passed away Thursday, just four days before his 56th birthday, the group announced.
A lifelong resident of the borough, Friedman became Executive Director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce seven years ago and helped a "countless number of businesses" in his role, the chamber said in a statement.
"His love of Queens came out in everything that he did and was evident with whoever interacted with him," they wrote.
Friedman had been hospitalized for the last month with heart issues and diabetes, but returned home to Bellerose two days ago, according to a woman at the chamber who declined to give her name.
Borough President Melinda Katz said in a statement that the lifelong Queens resident was a "beloved staple of the Queens business and civic community."
“Jack was fiercely committed to making Queens a key center of economic opportunity and prosperity," she said.
In addition to his role at the chamber, Friedman was a member of Community Board 11 since 2008 and a board member of numerous groups including the Bellerose Jewish Center and Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council.
He also worked as chief of staff to former City Councilman David Weprin.
Those who knew and worked with Friedman remembered him as a champion for Queens.
"Jack Friedman made all of us better," State Sen. Leroy Comrie tweeted, adding that everyone was "lucky to be a part of his vision."
Friedman is survived by his wife, Lorie, and children Cara and Daniel.
