It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Dennis Alan Friedland, who died peacefully in his sleep the morning of June 11th, 2024. Dennis was born in Brooklyn, NY to the late Norman and Ruth (Rubin) Friedland. He attended Public School 241 and Erasmus Hall High School. Growing up, he sold concessions at Ebbets Field, and was a devoted fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers. One of his favorite memories was seeing Jackie Robinson play.

Dennis had many talents and interests. His love of music started at a young age when he studied classical piano with Rose Buzen Corigliano in New York City and had mastered the Grieg concerto by the age of 13. Dennis also excelled at math, was a keen chess player, and a champion debater. Amongst the top of his class, he received a full scholarship to Harvard College, where he graduated with a BA in Philosophy. Dennis went on to earn his JD at Columbia Law school.

While at Columbia, Dennis founded The Cannon Group in 1967, an independent film production and distribution company with offices in New York and London. They produced the hit movie “Joe” in 1970, which garnered critical acclaim and box office success. It was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Dennis was a longtime member of the executive branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. An entrepreneur at heart, after selling The Cannon Group, Dennis pursued his interests in real estate and finance. Still a movie buff, Dennis started Arrow Entertainment in the early 90s, returning to the film industry for another chapter.

Charming and engaging, Dennis enlivened the room and was never at a loss for words. Dennis had a zest for life and a curious mind. An enthusiastic reader, he offered insightful commentary on most any subject, especially 20th century history for which he had a passion. With a heartfelt sense of humor, Dennis was entertaining, kind, and always thoughtful.

Dennis was an outdoorsman. His love of swimming started during his childhood summers at Pine Lake Park, where he was both a lifeguard and coach. His campers fondly referred to him as “Uncle Dennis.” At Harvard, he joined the rowing team, enjoying the physical challenge and camaraderie of his peers along the Charles River. In later years, when he lived in Maine, Dennis would often take his wooden Wherry across the Damariscotta River. An avid hiker, Dennis once climbed Mt. Washington two times in the same day. He also loved bicycling, kayaking, and particularly skiing, which he proudly shared with his children and grandchildren.

A fantastic amateur chef, Dennis’s kitchen was filled with great selections of mustards, spices, olive oils, and a curated collection of wines. He went to the Harvard Square farmer’s market  every week and carefully selected the very best–frisée, fingerling potatoes, baby cucumbers, peaches, and the crispiest apples. Having befriended the vendors, he knew everyone by name, as they did his, even setting aside radish greens and mizuna for him. Dennis had endless ideas for salad combinations and pasta, and a folder filled with recipes for a cookbook.

When Dennis moved back to Cambridge 20 years ago, he took advantage of continuing education opportunities to focus on honing his writing skills. Steps from Harvard Square and with a view of the Charles River from his apartment, he loved nothing more than looking out over the treetops, watching the sunset, and hearing the sounds of crew practice, lightheartedly mimicking how his coach would yell “stroke!” in college. It was a yearly tradition to walk along the river during the Head of the Charles Regatta to find kettle corn and watch the lightweight men’s eights.

Dennis was a loving and devoted father who will be sorely missed. Dennis is predeceased by his beloved sister, Ronnie Lippin. He leaves behind his son, Peter Friedland (Erin), and daughter Margaret Boyden (Richard), both of New York City, from his first marriage to Marlene Hess. From his second marriage to Elizabeth Greenberg, he leaves Caroline Friedland of Cambridge. He also leaves behind five grandchildren–Noah, Adele, Augustus, Henrietta, and Georgina. Though divorced, Dennis shared an extraordinary bond and friendship with his ex-wife, Elizabeth Friedland.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Dennis can donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or charity of your choice.

Funeral services for Dennis will be held on Friday June 21st at 1:30 pm at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Rd. in Albany. Burial will follow at Congregation Beth Emeth Cemetery in Loudonville, NY.