Unionville mourns 'magnetic personality'

An 11th-grader at Unionville High known for his magnetic personality died Friday after a lengthy illness, school officials said. The school held a moment of silence this morning for Joshua Friedman, 17, of West Chester, who had been too ill to attend school this year, officials said.

"Everyone who knew him has fond memories of his tenacious spirit and quick smile," said Unionville Principal Paula Massanari in a statement issued to district residents. "Students who knew Josh through Best Buddies club and the UHS theater program have been especially impacted by this news."

The son of Bruce and Patricia Friedman, Josh was active in the Unionville drama group and Best Buddies, attended  Bournelyf Camp and played baseball for the Bears KAU Challenger baseball team.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 15 E. Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester; visitation will precede the service at 8:30 a.m. Interment will be in Birmingham-Lafayette Cemetery. Contributions in Josh's name can be made to Bournlyf Camp, 1066 S. New St., West Chester, PA 19382, and online condolences may be expressed at www.donohuefuneralhome.com.