Mort Fried was born in New York City in 1922. After graduation from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, he moved to Miami to attend college. However, World War II interrupted his education at the University of Miami. During the war he served in the Army Air Corps as a Navigator and flew missions in the South Pacific.

In 1946, Mort returned to the University of Miami to complete his undergraduate as well as to obtain a law degree. While standing in line to register for his classes he met his future bride Joy Fine. They were married in 1948 and moved to Key Biscayne in 1951 to be part of the first 100 pioneer families.

As Mort developed his law practice in downtown Miami and he and Joy raised three children, he volunteered his time with many Key Biscayne Organizations as President of the Lion's Club, Commodore of the Yacht Club, a Founder and President of the Athletic Club, President of the Music and Drama Club and a thespian too! Mort was honored for his years of service by being chosen Man of the Year by the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce. A few years later, Mort was active in the successful effort to incorporate Key Biscayne into its own municipality. He has been elected to our Village Council three times and he currently serves as Council Member.

Though semi-retired, Mort remains active in the legal field and fulfills his Village Council duties. In his leisure time he enjoys tennis, biking, and skiing. Today as always, Mort and Joy spend lots of time together. They are proud of all of their children and derive tremendous pleasure from the fact that two of their offspring are raising families on the Key, which means that seven of their eight grandchildren are third generation Key Biscayners!