Obituary of Michael Lee Freedman, Ph.D.

Michael Lee Freedman, Ph.D., 78, of Hudson, Ohio, gifted psychologist and mentor to many, passed away June 18, 2021 from pancreatic cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fannie (née Rosker) and Harry Freedman, and sister, Sheri Grossman. He is survived by his wife, MargaretAnn Susong, brother Stewart(Jane)Freedman, brother-in-law Ned(Shelly)Grossman, children Joshua Seth, Matthew Freedman, Jeremiah(Deanna)Freedman, Katie Truog and Adam(Liz)Susong; and grandchildren Isaac, Molly, Hannah, Tiger, Nikita, Sage and Elliot. He also leaves loving nieces, nephews, cousins and hundreds of friends around the globe. Known as ‘Mickey’ to his family, Washington High and Bobcat friends, he was born and raised in Massillon, Ohio where he became an Eagle Scout, won a National Junior Achievement competition, and remained life-long friends with the ‘kids’ he grew up with; known as one-half of “M&M” for the last quarter-century, married to Margaret, the love of his life. After graduating from Ohio University with a BFA in Interpersonal Communications, he finished his Ph.D. studies at Kent State and taught at Case Western Reserve University and Hiram College before establishing Freedman & Associates with offices in Beachwood, Tallmadge, Fairview Park, and Hudson. Many people may remember his daily radio psychology talk show in the 80s and TV appearances as the staff psychologist for ‘AM Cleveland.’ For over 40 years, Dr. Michael Freedman taught thousands of people to help themselves, heal, grow, and become the healthy, strong self he knew they could be. His optimism was infectious, his guidance steady, his light bright enough to shine the way for all of us. Michael’s fun-loving spirit was never more alive than when he was with children, or scooping ice cream as the owner of Hershey’s of Hudson, another labor of love. Since retiring in 2014, he has actively traveled the world with his wife, walking the 500-mile Camino in Spain, adventuring through New Zealand and Southeast Asia, developing friendships in Sri Lanka, Australia, Great Britain and much of Europe, always returning to his favorite little island of Caye Caulker, Belize. May his memory be a blessing. A celebration of life will be held in the autumn. Should friends desire, memorials may be sent to support families impacted by cancer: The Gathering Place, 23300 Commerce Park, Beachwood, OH 44122.