Dana Holcombe Friedman passed away peacefully at home on December 11, 2024, in Mission Viejo, CA, after a fierce battle with stage 4 cancer. Born on May 11, 1965, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Dana and Eleanor Friedman, Dana grew up in Pennsylvania and Switzerland, attending Sewickley Academy before going on to Colby College and the American University in Paris.

After Colby, Dana settled in southern California and launched a career in advertising and public relations, specializing in the bike and boat industries. He later pivoted to entrepreneurial pursuits that took him to China on numerous occasions, and developed a business – Seal Guard – focused on sea lion abatement strategies in Newport Harbor.

Dana married Lynn (nee Sanchez) in 1992 on the Queen Mary, docked in Long Beach. In 1994, they moved to Mission Viejo. For many years, Dana and Lynn volunteered every Sunday at Friends of the Sea Lion (later Pacific Marine Mammal Center) in Laguna Beach, where they rescued, rehabilitated, and released sea lions, harbor seals, and elephant seals. Dana also served on both the Holy Jim Volunteer Fire Department, and on Orange County's Large Whale Disentanglement Team.

The terrorist attacks of September 11 encouraged Dana to re-evaluate his career. Hoping to contribute more significantly through public service, he sought out the training and certifications necessary to become an animal control officer. In 2009, he was hired by CASA (Coastal Animal Services Authority), serving San Clemente and Dana Point.

Being an Animal Control Officer was the perfect match for Dana's gifts. Underneath his badass bravado was a deeply caring soul with the most amazing, hilarious wit.

Dana was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his wife Lynn, sisters Jen Bailey and Sarah (Kevin) Brennan, many cherished cousins, and a boisterous community of chosen family, all of whom wonder how to move forward with a Dana-shaped hole in their hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the animal welfare organization of your choice