Kevin J. Friend

Kevin J. Friend, 62, passed away unexpectedly on April 3, 2026. Born in Akron, Ohio to John and Ruth (Armstrong) Friend, he resided in Chicago from 1988 to 2011, when he returned to Akron. Kevin later owned and operated Rubber City Clothing. Known for his ability to bring people together, Kevin enjoyed photography, hiking, anything outdoors, supporting his local community and spending time with his family.

Kevin was preceded in death by his mother, Dr. Ruth Friend.

He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Isabelle (Andrew), Austen, Cami; grandson, Leo; father, John; sister, Kim (Diane); nieces, Kelsey, Corey, Alyssa; nephew, Robert; and aunt, Mary Armstrong.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, Saturday, May 16th at South Akron Oriels (2166 Manchester Rd., Akron)

Those who wish may make memorial donations in Kevin's name to the charity of their choice.

For Kevin Uncle, funkle, dad Son, nephew, cousin, friend so many names for you that never end So many memories tied to you Music, art, a heart so true Compassion, laughter, so much joy you would bring In every moment and in everything Beach day skies and late night talks Nature views on quiet walks A giving soul and a steady guide So many jokes and songs we had inside You noticed things most people missed like flowers pushing through cracks, puddles holding entire skies of blue The world felt softer seen by you You spread your light in all that you’d do A stubborn smart ass so rare and so unapologetically you Certain songs will always bring you near A voice and a laugh that I can still hear I can still see your smile, it was wide and true It was like stars shining the whole night through. Life knocked you down time and time again But you stood so tall through the loss and pain You always fought, you always rose A strength lies in you that few will ever know This time you let the battle end Not out of weakness our dearest Friend But from tired bones and a breaking heart That carried more weight than their fair part You thought of us until your last breath, even in the face of death Protecting us from what you knew, still giving to us even doing what you had to do And that’s the part that tears me through, you gave your last strength loving us too Even fading and even worn, you held us close through your last storm. Kevin, there were so many names we gave to you Each one earned and each one true But none can hold the weight and truth The quiet strength and endless proof Of how you lived and what you gave Of how you fought and how you were brave Not just in life but also at the end So many names but only one transcends Our superhero!