David Allan Friedrich | Eastern NC Now

    David Allan Friedrich, 80, of Belhaven, North Carolina, passed away Monday, April 20, 2026.

    A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

    Dave was born in Missoula County, Montana, to the late Christian Allan Friedrich and Elva Furst Friedrich. On June 15, 1968, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Grace Neal, who survives him.

    He was a graduate of Druid Hills High School in Atlanta, Georgia, and Georgia State University. Dave devoted his career to education as an English teacher, where he also taught drama and coached track, cross country, and swimming. He inspired countless students not only in the classroom, but also through his passion, discipline, and encouragement.

    Dave was a man who lived life fully and without hesitation. He was an avid runner, cyclist, and swimmer, embracing competition and adventure with enthusiasm. He cared about organic, sustainable farming, boating-even living aboard for a time-photography, poetry, literature, music, traveling, camping, good diners, fried fish, "refreshing tropical beverages", and motorcycle journeys across the country. A lifelong learner, he was always pursuing new interests and experiences.

    Above all, Dave loved deeply-his family, his friends, his many dogs, and especially his son Travis, whose memory he honored as a member of the Tour of Honor, along with his copilot, Dixie. Those who knew him will remember his boundless energy, his big dreams, and his determination to see them through. He was, in every sense, a force of life who lived boldly and inspired others to do the same.

    In addition to his wife, Dave is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Tallie Giuliano and her husband Patrick of New York, and Amanda Friedrich Durkin of Massachusetts; his grandchildren, Pasquale Giuliano, Elizabeth Giuliano, Travis Durkin, and Joan Durkin; his sisters, Sharon Williams and her husband Michael of Florida, and Carol Davis of South Carolina; and his brother, James Friedrich of California.

    He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, Travis.

    Paul Funeral Home of Belhaven is honored to serve the Friedrich family.