PORTLAND- Joel Stephen Freund, 56, of Newman Street, died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005 at a Portland hospital following a long illness.

He was born in Anchorage, Alaska on Feb. 22, 1949 to Betty Kandelman Freund and Arthur Edwin Freund. Joel was a graduate of the University of Rochester, N.Y., and the University of Maine School of Law.

While attending law school, Joel became a bartender in Greater Portland at various restaurants, including the Bramhall Pub, Maria'and YesterdayÕs. After briefly practicing law, Joel returned to the restaurant trade he loved as the first bartender of the newly opened Back Bay Grill. He purchased the business in 1990 and started it on its path as one of Portland'finest dining establishments.

Joel'philosophy for his guests was, The outside world is left at the door when you enter the Grill.

He had an amusing story for every guest, and treated everyone equally. Those who dined at the Grill felt pampered and content. Throughout the years the Grill was reviewed locally as well as nationally. In 2001, it was recognized for culinary excellence and was invited to present at the James Beard House in New York City.

Joel'guests will always remember him as the quintessential host. His sense of humor and spontaneous ability to pun were renowned.

He was a connoisseur and collector of fine wines and shared his knowledge with his guests openly and unpretentiously. Joel also enjoyed sailing, his dogs and was an avid player of board games.

Those he left behind include a life partner, Marianne A. Klein of Portland; his mother, Betty Abrams of Levittown, N.Y.; his sisters, Katherine Lee Freund of Portland and Ruth Sandra Goldblatt of Simsbury, Conn.; and brother Daniel Freund of South Freeport, as well as two nieces and five nephews.

A private memorial service will be held at the Wilde Memorial Chapel at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland. An announcement for a celebration of Joel'life will follow soon for those unable to attend the memorial service.