Alan Friedl's Obituary
Alan Lambert Friedl, 54, lost his courageous battle with brain cancer on Friday, September 19, 2025. When he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma tumor on September 11, 2024, Alan knew the odds were against him, knowing fewer than half of glioblastoma patients survive a year after their diagnosis. Alan and his wife, Natalie, set themselves to the task of aggressive treatment while at the same time creating as many memories with their friends and family as possible.
After surgery and a course of radiation concluded in December 2024, the tumor was undetectable, and Alan was able to return to work. In January 2025, he also dragged his bum ankle across the finish line of the Mangum Marathon, his tenth finish of a 26.2-mile footrace. While it was far slower than his days of qualifying for the prestigious Boston Marathon, this race was satisfying given all he had been dealing with and served as an inspiration to many.
He recently taught his daughter Felicity (16) how to drive and his son Kent (7) how to ride a bike, rites of passage for any involved father. In March, Alan was in tears watching Felicity brilliantly slay the lead role in Hopewill High School’s production of Mamma Mia. Watching ‘Titi’ blossom as a singer filled him with great pride and gave him all the feels.
Alan loved sports teams from Cleveland and The Ohio State University. He reveled in the Buckeye’s latest national championship in January and was still well enough to root for them as the fall 2025 season commenced. His relationship with his beloved Browns and ‘Tribe’ was equal parts committed and frustrating as they came up short year after year. When the Cavaliers won the NBA title in 2016, Alan told his brother, “I don’t know how to feel. I’ve dealt with so much losing and so many near misses…but WINNING? I am having a hard time processing this!”
In May, the family learned that tumor had returned, and Alan and Natalie knew time was growing limited, so they booked family trips to St. Lucia, Oak Island and Ohio. The photos and memories from those trips are treasured. For the Ohio trip in July, local friends contacted the Cleveland baseball team, and the family was feted at a game, complete with a jersey signed by a retired pitcher from the team.
Alan enjoyed time with friends and family, whether it was celebrating his 50th birthday in Vegas or hanging out in the backyard with a bonfire. In June, it was only natural that his work friends arranged - what else? – a huge karaoke party in his honor at Saeed’s in Cornelius. Upwards of 80 showed up – including several trekking from Ohio, to sing, laugh and share a smile and grab a selfie with the guest of honor.
The youngest of five, Alan was born on July 21, 1971 in Cleveland, Ohio to Dr. Alfred Friedl and the former Phyllis Lambert. The family grew up in the tiny community of Rootstown, which featured exactly one stoplight in those days. Alan attended Rootstown High School, graduating in 1989. He earned all-league honors in track and cross country. Highlights include breaking five minutes for the mile and competing at the State Cross Country Championship meet.
A natural athlete, Alan was a particularly avid softball player that loved to show off his range at the Hot Corner by laying out to rob a hit or start a clutch double play. Even when injuries began to take their inevitable toll, his love for just playing would win out over conventional wisdom recommending he sit out.
Alan attended Kent State University, graduating in 1994 with a degree in Physical Education. At KSU, he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. After spending three years working corporate jobs in California, he returned to Kent State and earned a Masters in Exercise Physiology. It was in Kent that he met Natalie Raiti, who was earning her degree in education. The couple was married on July 14, 2006 in the very beautiful St. Bernard Catholic Church in Akron, Ohio and then settled in North Carolina where Natalie started her job as an Art Teacher at Torrance Creek Elementary school in Huntersville.
Alan started his career at the Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in the Cardiac Catheter lab. Over the years he assisted in many heart surgeries, sharing his knowledge as a supervisor and trainer. His colleagues universally noted his skill, but also his abiding sense of humor and kindness. Alan was always ready with a pun or dad joke.
Predeceased by his parents, Alan is survived by his wife, Natalie, their children Felicity and Kent; and by his daughter Amanda Wescott (Kyle). He is survived by his mother-in-law, Marge Raiti, whom Alan loved, even though she insisted on rooting for the wrong NFL team. He is also survived by his brothers, Stephen (Jaimee) of Tustin, California, Michael (Melissa) of Laguna Hills, California, and Jeffrey (Fumie) of Kyoto, Japan; his sister, Marcina Kreta (Marty) of Bellingham, Washington; and 6 nieces and nephews who knew Alan as the Fun Uncle.
He has also left behind countless friends and colleagues who can’t help but smile when they think of Alan and his silliness, but also his extraordinary capacity for kindness. Something that there is just a little less of in the world with his passing.
Calling hours will be from 5:00 -7:00 PM, with a time of sharing memories of Alan at 6:00 PM, on Wednesday, September 24 at the James Funeral Home in Huntersville. A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church in Charlotte will take place at 3:00 PM on Thursday, September 25, followed by burial at Northlake Memorial Gardens.
The family is grateful for the support of their many friends, colleagues and caregivers during the past year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Glioblastoma Foundation.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
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