Zachary J. Friedland

DATELINE: Richmond

Friedland, Zachary J., 31, passed away on Friday, October 8, 2021 at home, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved son of Kevin Friedland and Beth Dworetzky of Richmond, RI and cherished grandson of Florence Dworetzky of White Plains, NY.

Born in Plymouth, MA, he had lived in Richmond for 16 years, previously living in Hadley, MA. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Rhode Island, earned his Master’s Degree from the Longy School of Music at Bard College and his Doctorate in Musical Arts from The Ohio State University. He was a lifelong member of KKΨ, the National Honorary Band Fraternity. Zachary was a composer and wrote music for band, wind ensembles, chamber and vocal music. He was civic minded and organized music consortia as fundraisers for organizations, such as his Notes of Remembrance Joint Consortium Project for Wind Band as part of the Alzheimer’s Association The Longest Day project to help fund a cure and look forward to a world without Alzheimer’s.

A strong advocate for new music and young/emerging composers, Zachary founded the Rhode Island Recording Ensemble (RIRE), which he ran with fellow Rhode Island composer and band director Michael Konnerth.

Funeral services and shiva will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 245 Waterman St., #306, Providence, RI 02906.

35 Comments

  1. Nora Wells
    Oct 9, 2021

    I am so very sorry for this enormous loss. Our hearts go out to Zach’s family and friends. Although Zach’s life was far too short, he accomplished extraordinary things! As an energetic toddler, Zach accompanuied his Mother, Beth, to events like a focus group on the development of the Consumer Assessment of Health Provider Survey (CAHPS). In addition to his extraordinary talents as a composer and musician, Zach was an accomplished advocate on improving healthcare, speaking eloquently in Congress as a teenager about how to improve patient experiences. Zach’s spirit and contributions in music and advocacy will continue to make our world a better place for all.

  2. Diana M Autin
    Oct 9, 2021

    Our hearts go out to Zachary’s family and friends as we mourn the loss of a compassionate, talented, and much-loved young man. No words can provide the comfort we hope for everyone in his life. Please know that we are ready to provide any support that we can. Thank you for sharing his many accomplishments throughout his life with your extended network of friends and comrades in the fight for children, youth and young adults with special healthcare needs. -Everyone at the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network

  3. Sondra Gilbert
    Oct 9, 2021

    Beth please accepts are condolences for the your loss of your son .we are praying for your all.
    Ky Family to Family.

  4. Carolyn Allshouse
    Oct 9, 2021

    Beth,

    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your son was a very special and kind man.

    Carolyn Allshouse

  5. Lauren Agoratus
    Oct 10, 2021

    Beth-thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

  6. Wanda Morton
    Oct 10, 2021

    Beth
    My heart goes out to you and your family. Please know you are in my thoughts.

  7. Deborah Klein Walker
    Oct 10, 2021

    Beth, my heart aches on the news of Zach’s death. He was a very talented and compassionate young man who was not with us long enough. I enjoyed hearing about his accomplishments in music from you during our recent work together. I am thinking of you and hope you will find peace and comfort in the memories you shared with him.

  8. Susan Wood
    Oct 10, 2021

    So sorry for your loss. Our hearts are with you and your family at this time. Sending prayers. Much love and aloha!

  9. Faye Manaster
    Oct 11, 2021

    BDE
    May his memory be a blessing
    Thinking of you

  10. Natilie D Wooldridge
    Oct 11, 2021

    Beth, I am the F2F Coordinator in Arkansas whose daughter passed away in 2019. As a mother, we grieve for loss, regardless the age or situation of losing our children. https://whilewerewaiting.org/ is a resource that has been beneficial to me. I will praying for comfort and healing in your family.

  11. Nanfi N. Lubogo
    Oct 11, 2021

    Dearest Beth,
    So very sad to hear of the passing of Zach. What an accomplished young man who is gone way to soon from this world but whose contributions will brighten forever. May Zachary Rest In Peace and Power. God strengthen your family and keep his beautiful memories lasting forever.

  12. Gloria Klaesges
    Oct 11, 2021

    Dear Beth,

    I wish I had words to lighten your sadness, but sometimes words are just not enough. My heart is with you and know that I am thinking of you during this most difficult time. Please accept my deepest condolences. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Gloria

  13. Cathy Salazar
    Oct 11, 2021

    Beth so very sorry for your loss. I don’t have words that will make this easier. I lost my daughter Chloe in 2013 she was 13 yrs old.
    Time will soften the edges of your loss, but it will always be there at the top of your thoughts. Please know that I am sending you light and love for you and your family. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
    Cathy

  14. Tami Allen
    Oct 11, 2021

    Thinking of you and your family at this time of loss. Sending many prayers and thoughts.

  15. LaToshia Rouse
    Oct 11, 2021

    Beth, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

  16. Sarah Jaegers
    Oct 11, 2021

    Zach was an incredible person, loving friend, and gifted musician. His music and his memory will live on and I am so blessed to have been his friend. I have contributed to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory. My prayers and condolences are with your family now and always.

  17. Marie Abraham
    Oct 11, 2021

    Beth, I am so sorry to hear about Zach’s death. I wish there was something I could say, however I have no words and can only imagine what you and your family are going through. I send my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Zichrono livracha.

  18. Carmina Cirioli
    Oct 12, 2021

    Beth, I am so very sorry for your loss. There are just no words. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  19. Beth, we are deeply saddened to hear of Zachary’s passing. Our hearts go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Our sincerest condolences.

    —From all of us at the Federation for Children with Special Needs

  20. Terry Ohlson-Martin
    Oct 12, 2021

    Beth, I am so saddened to hear of Zach’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  21. Karyl Ryczek
    Oct 13, 2021

    Zach was truly an inspiration for the Longy community. I am a better person for having had contact with him while he was completing his education. He will always have a place in my heart.

  22. CHARLENE SHELTON
    Oct 13, 2021

    Beth, We are sad to learn of the loss of your beloved son. We send our hopes for your family’s healing, knowing that Zach’s memory will sustain you always. The CYSHCNet family.

  23. Anna Cyr
    Oct 13, 2021

    We are so sorry for this devastating loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. May his memory be a blessing.

  24. Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health
    Oct 13, 2021

    We offer our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

  25. Elaine Gabovitch
    Oct 14, 2021

    Dear Beth and Family,
    I am so sad to learn about your beloved Zach’s passing. Your deep love for him and all your efforts on his behalf is how I came to know you. Zach accomplished so much in his life. Wishing you peace and comfort surrounded by loving family and friends.
    My deepest sympathies,
    Elaine Gabovitch

  26. AAP National Coordinating Center for Epilepsy
    Oct 14, 2021

    Beth,
    We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. You and your family are in our thoughts.
    - From everyone at the AAP National Coordinating Center for Epilepsy

  27. Tammy Butterfield
    Oct 14, 2021

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Zach was commissioned to write a piece for my son, a trumpet player at UNL in Nebraska, who lost his life in a car accident in 2018. I will forever be grateful for the heart and talent he poured into Hear My Voice. I’m sorry I won’t get a chance to meet him, but he will always have a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

  28. sandee moroso
    Oct 18, 2021

    Dear Beth and Family,

    I am so sorry to hear the very sad news of Zach’s passing. Although I didn’t know Zach, I can see through all his accomplishments and advocacy he has left a beautiful impression in the world. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, and I hope that all the beautiful memories you have will help you through each day.

  29. John Sullivan
    Oct 19, 2021

    Beth, I’m so sorry to hear about Zach’s passing. I hope his accomplishments and especially his music will live on and provide you with some comfort. Peace to you and your family.

  30. Marila Gennaro
    Oct 25, 2021

    Dear Beth,

    We don’t know each other well and I wasn’t lucky enough to meet your beautiful Zach. I will never forget that we worked together while you were at the hospital. As a mother, I can’t fathom your grief. But I hope that the strong family bonds I am certain you have and your strong advocacy for families will help you through this.

  31. Deborah Spitalnik The Boggs Center on DD
    Oct 25, 2021

    With our deepest condolences
    May Zach’s memory be a blessing and may you find comfort in the support of family, friends, and all of us who are inspired by Zach and your work

  32. Charlie Homer
    Oct 26, 2021

    Beth, I am so sorry to hear of this sad news, and my thoughts and condolences go out to you. May Zach’s memory be a blessing.

  33. Dawn Wardyga
    Mar 18, 2022

    Beth & Kevin – I am just learning of Zach’s passing today and I am so filled with sadness for both of you. Knowing how hard this experience is for any parent, the loss of our children brings heartache like no other. May you both find peace and comfort in the loving memories of happy times with Zach, and pride in all he has accomplished with both of you supporting him in fulfilling so many of his dreams. I am here for you if you need a friend that understands the journey ahead of you and I am close by and would be happy to come to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you think I can be of some help. I will be thinking of you both during this painful time.

  34. Beth & Kevin, I just learned today of your son, Zach, passing. I am so, so sorry to learn of your loss. I fondly recall hearing music that Zach composed @ the 2018 ECCWO conference in DC. Very moving piece & I recall commenting to Kevin about my impressions.
    Beth, it’s been many years since we last spoke as grad students @ URI Botany.
    Please accept my deepest sympathy. You are all in my thoughts.
    Peace, Peg Brady

  35. Jonathan Butler
    Dec 27, 2022

    I was very saddened to find out this news recently. Zach was my good childhood friend in Elementary school in Hadley, MA. I still remember the game he made up when we met that we played in the sand box at recess. He called it “Ant City.” I also remember he created through drawings ( and I sometimes drew with him) animals with musical instruments. He called that “musical animals.” The big thing we shared when we were around 8 or 9, was Star Wars. We played with Star Wars action figures a lot. I’m not surprised and very proud of his life accomplishments. May the force be with him, always. – Jon

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