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January 7, 2019 Editorial

Duddie – truly one of a kind

When David “Duddie” Massad passed away at the age of 90 on Dec. 28, it marked the end of an era for the Greater Worcester business community.

A born entrepreneur and marketer, Duddie's business ventures started early, going from operating the Webster Square Cinema to running two car dealerships. Then, the purchase and turnaround of a struggling Commerce Bank really showcased his influence, as under his leadership the bank turned from a money-losing operation into a $2.2-billion bank with an expanded footprint into Boston. While his Diamond Chevrolet dealership remains in the family – being run by Duddie's son David – the bank sold for $230 million in 2017 to Berkshire Bank.

Hard-charging and personable, Duddie was an always on the go, built a massive real estate portfolio in the city reflecting his outsized influence, and supported a number of worthy causes, including a $13-million donation to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Duddie was an agent of change, and his werewithall helped Greater Worcester prosper.

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