Irving H. Freedman

Albany - Irving Freedman, born November 6, 1935, in Albany, N.Y., son of Max and Anna (Erlich) Freedman, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, surrounded by family. Irv was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Jacqueline Scheer Freedman, his three brothers, Sidney, Chuck, and Marv Freedman, and his sisters-in-law, Shirley and Marilyn Freedman. Irv leaves behind a family that meant everything to him: his devoted children, Michele Schaefer (Kevin), Elaine, and Aimee Freedman; his beloved grandchildren, Jordan Freeman (Dylan), Reid, Kennedy, Skylar, Maycen Schaefer, and Camilo Alvarenga Freedman (Jennifer); his sister-in-law, Cynthia Freedman; and many nieces and nephews.

He was a graduate of the "Old" Albany High School and continued his education at the University at Albany and post-graduate studies at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, culminating in a doctorate in Public Administration. Irv had a long and distinguished career as a public administrator starting with the US Department of the Navy working on the Polaris Missile project before returning to Albany where he served in the NYS Assembly under the Harriman and Carey Administrations, The State University of New York and various roles culminating in a Vice Chancellorship for the Capital Facilities and General Manager of the State University Construction Fund before retiring in 1995.

Irv proudly served in the US Army during the Cold War. Irv’s passions centered around his family, temple, and music. Irv enjoyed spending time at Brant Lake, fishing, and playing tennis with his buddies. Irving was known for greeting everyone with a song and was known as the “Music Man” in his later years. He was a member and former Treasurer of Congregation Gates of Heaven and a member of the Independent Benevolent Society.

Funeral Services will be held at Congregation Gates of Heaven, 852 Ashmore Ave, Schenectady, NY 12309, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Services will be livestreamed at www.cgoh.org. Interment will follow at the Independent Benevolent Cemetery in Albany. The period of mourning will be observed at the Schaefer residence following the interment service, and on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Congregation Gates of Heaven. Irv’s family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Massry Assisted Living Residence and Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors.

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