In Memoriam

Royce Hobart Friedman, President of Standard Oil of Connecticut, died of natural causes on September 21, 2025, at his home in Fairfield, CT. He was 99 years old.

Upon graduating from Stratford High School in June of 1944, Roy enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Pacific aboard an amphibious supply ship, the USS Towner. Roy's job was to ferry troops and supplies to shore during amphibious landings. When under attack during Japanese kamikaze raids, Roy served as a spotter on one the ship’s anti-aircraft batteries where he would identify enemy aircraft and direct outgoing fire. Roy received medals for service in the Philippines, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, New Caledonia, and Guam war zones. Roy’s ship survived a typhoon at sea with 120 mile an hour winds and 90-foot waves. After the Japanese surrender, his ship was one of the first to land on the Japanese mainland. For the rest of his life, Roy was very proud of his service in the US Navy.

After discharge from the Navy, Roy returned to his hometown in Stratford, CT. He spent his professional career in the petroleum industry expanding and diversifying his father’s small coal company into one of the largest privately-owned oil companies in the state.

Under Roy’s leadership, Standard Oil of Connecticut was recognized for service excellence by receiving four first-place awards from the Better Business Bureau, including the International Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence, the Malcom Baldridge National Quality Award and being voted "Best Oil Company in Connecticut". Additionally, Roy received numerous personal awards and citations, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Bridgeport.

Roy served on numerous local and state boards including the Stratford Commission of WWII Veterans, Board Associate of the University of Bridgeport and Board Member of the Alzheimer's Association. At the Jewish Home for the Elderly, he served on the Board of Directors and earned the distinguished title of Honorary Director for Life. There, he created The Roy and Aline Friedman Medical Home Care Agency. He also served as a director of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association and the National Energy and Fuels Institute.

Roy had lifelong interests in antique cars and horseback riding. He was also a known supporter of philanthropic initiatives and was a recipient of the Arthur and Gladys Lunin Humanitarian Award in recognition of outstanding public and community service. He supported the Connecticut Children's Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Center of Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County. In 2021, he was honored as a U.S. Military Hero of the Game by The Bridgeport Sound Tigers, American Hockey League. Roy will be remembered for his devotion to his family, generosity, compassion, philanthropy and his unparalleled work ethic.

Roy and his wife Aline Friedman were married for 67 years. Aline passed away of natural causes just three days after Roy. They are survived by their three daughters, two sons-in-law, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.