Saying Goodbye to Dr. Eric Freedman of Psychology

The University of Michigan-Flint College of Arts & Sciences would like to extend deepest condolences and best wishes to the family of Dr. Eric Gordon Freedman.

Dr. Freedman, a longtime member of our Psychology Department, passed away on December 10th.

He was a beloved faculty member, touching the lives of thousands of students over his time at UM-Flint.

Per his obituary: Dr. Freedman received his BA from Brandeis University, and his PhD from the University of Maine. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Memphis State University. He was a professor of cognitive psychology at Michigan Technological University from 1988-1993 and at the University of Michigan-Flint from 1993-2014. Dr. Freedman’s research is widely published in scientific journals and psychology books. He mentored numerous undergraduate psychology students who worked with him on his research on perception and executive function. Dr. Freedman shared with students his love of conducting research to explore how the mind works.

His family has asked that the funeral service truly be a celebration of Eric’s life, and not a sad affair. In that spirit, his wife Donna plans to wear purple – his favorite color – instead of black. She invites all attending to wear purple or another bright color in honor of Eric and his wishes. Following is the remaining text from his obituary which contains details on his funeral services.

FREEDMAN, Eric Gordon Ph.D. – Age 56, of Flint, died December 10, 2014 at his home. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, December 12, 2014 at Temple Beth El, 5150 Calkins Road, Flint Township. Rabbi Karen Companez will officiate. Family and friends will gather for Shiva from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Saturday at Temple Beth El. All are welcome to attend and may share favorite stories of Eric. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Temple Beth El – FLRTY (Flint Reform Temple Youth) to support youth programs at Temple Beth El.

Dr. Freedman was born June 26, 1958 in Boston MA, the son of Edwin and Ruth Freedman. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Donna Fry; children, Hannah of Flint and Samuel of Lowell; step-daughters, Kathryn Welch of Cleveland, OH and Kristina Welch of Chicago, IL; father, Edwin Freedman; sister, Jacki (Michael) Fallman of Boston, MA. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth. Online condolences may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Dr. Freedman relished exploring life with his wife Dr. Fry whether it was traveling to see other cultures, trying new culinary experiences, wandering through art museums, or simply exploring nearby points of interest. Dr. Freedman recently fulfilled a life-long dream by traveling to Israel. He also enjoyed engaging friends and family in intellectual conversations on a variety of topics and had a great sense of humor.

As an active member of Temple Beth El in Flint, Dr. Freedman served on the Board of Directors, Ivriah Board, and Ritual Committee over the years. He was also an active participant in the Temple Beth El Brotherhood. He recently served on the Bollywood Fundraising Committee and Board of Directors for the Jewish Community Federation.