Robert Alan “Bob” Friedlander

Evans Funeral Home of Jefferson, GA, announces the passing of Mr. Robert Alan “Bob” Friedlander, age 87, who died peacefully on May 19, 2025, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Braselton after a brief hospice stay. Bob was a man of quiet strength, enduring faith, and deep family devotion. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Sandra Simmons Ganzel Friedlander. Together, they made their home in Jefferson, Georgia, where they were cherished members of their neighborhood, church, and local community.

Born on May 5, 1938, in Washington, D.C., Bob was the son of the late Philip Peyser Friedlander Sr. and the late Ethel Dorothy Gundersheimer Friedlander. He was proud of his Jewish heritage and especially of his mother’s distinguished years of public service in the Eisenhower and Nixon administrations. This legacy inspired Bob’s own strong sense of civic and moral responsibility.

Bob grew up in Arlington, Virginia, and graduated from Washington-Lee High School, where he played center on the football team, developing a lifelong love of sports. He later studied engineering at the University of Virginia and Clemson University and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. His professional path led him into a highly respected career with Southern Bell and its parent company, AT&T. Rising through the ranks with tenacity and excellence in his work, he overcame the company’s policies regarding above-level promotions for non-degreed employees, and retired in 1995 as a District Manager—a 31 year achievement that filled him with quiet pride.

Supported by his mother, his spiritual seeking led him from the Judaism of his childhood into the Gunther Temple Memorial Presbyterian Church where he was baptized as a young adult. As he grew in faith, he answered the ordination calls to ministry as both a deacon and a ruling elder. Alongside his wife Sandra, he was a devoted member of Commerce Presbyterian Church, where he found purpose in ministry and deep joy in fellowship.

Bob was also a committed community servant. He served as President of the Jefferson Lions Club from 2015 to 2016 and was actively involved in the Bell Telephone Pioneers, the charitable outreach of the Bell system. Known for his gentle humor, generosity, and steady wisdom, Bob enriched every circle he was part of, whether as coach, colleague, neighbor, or friend.

He was a dedicated father, supporting his daughter in her career goals and education, and coaching his son’s football and baseball teams. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, who remember him as a kind mentor and a steadfast presence in their lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Philip Peyser Friedlander Jr. and Kenneth Basil Friedlander; and his beloved granddaughter, Madison Faith Friedlander.

He is survived by his daughter, Beverly Friedlander Ostrowski (Martha Starnes) of Millburn, NJ; son, Jeff Friedlander (Sherri) of Calera, AL; stepson, William Jason Ganzel (Mary Ann) of Meansville, GA, stepdaughter, Jennifer C. Goodson (Terry) of Stockbridge, GA. He leaves behind a treasured legacy in his grandchildren: Justin Reid Ostrowski (Dr. Deepi Koganti), Dr. Megan Ostrowski Ndongi (Kevin), Morgan Grace Blanks (Gabriel), Benjamin Alan Friedlander, Amanda Joy Friedlander, Rachel Michelle Friedlander, and Katherine Vining (Chad). Bob was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Jalen Ndongi, Hazel Ndongi, Chai Darcy Alan Friedlander, Judah Achim Ruel Friedlander, Kefira Mila Faith Friedlander, Moshe Gedalia Blanks, Shlomo Asher Blanks, and Nechama Leah Blanks. Numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive him.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Commerce Presbyterian Church, with Reverend Jeff A. Cain Sr. officiating. Burial will follow at First Baptist Memorial Park in Westminster, South Carolina. The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Commerce Presbyterian Church, the Lions Club, or a charity of one’s choice.

Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia. (706) 367-5467
Online condolences may be shared at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com