Michael Stewart Friedlander

A remarkable person, died in Asheville, NC, February 12, 2022. Michael Friedlander, age 83, was a Renaissance man. He had graduate degrees in three distinctly different disciplines. He was a psychotherapist, a recognized professional photographer, a serious student of the historical origins of religious thought, and a long time teacher of art history. He worked decades ago with Drs. Vincent Dole and Marie Nyswander of Rockefeller University and the Beth Israel Hospital of New York City, helping to initiate outpatient methadone maintenance therapy in the United States.
For years he was a photographer for Dance Magazine, Christies Auction House, and Mr. Rogers Television series. His clinical practice of thirty years in Pittsburgh, PA focused on the treatment of substance abuse and its family impacts. He was widely acknowledged by clinical colleagues and patients. He maintained salon-type, multi-disciplinary gatherings in Asheville, addressing scientific, spiritual and philosophical topics.
Michael is survived by his partner of thirty one years (Dorothy – a psychotherapist), Dorothy’s brother (Michael), two previous wives, three sons (Joshua, Dovid and Avi – concert musicians and entrepreneurs), a daughter (Rochel – entrepreneur), six grandchildren (Jordana, Ariella, Rafi, Anshel, Violet, Elan), a brother (Barry), sister-in-law (Sandy), cousin (Marvin Fein), as well as
a niece (Anne), nephew (Xander), and other family members. A private virtual family remembrance will be held.
Donations may be made to Asheville Cat Weirdos in lieu of flowers.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.