Robert Lee Friend

Robert Lee Friend, age 72, of Cleveland, passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Mr. Friend was born on February 2, 1951, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Fred Friend, Jr. and Mary Kate Blankenship Friend. He was a retired State Probation Officer, after working for more than 30 years. He always took time to coach youth sports, including baseball, basketball, and football. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Helen Friend; brothers, Fred Friend and Bill Friend; sister, Pam Brown. Survivors include his son, Kenny Friend (Richel Mandaro); sisters, Debbie Dills and Mary Jane “Itsy” Harger; brother, Jay Friend. Memorial services are scheduled for 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home. The Rev. Justin Allen will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home, prior to the memorial service. To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barretfh.com Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland.