Alfred M. "Fred" Massotti

Alfred M. “Fred” Massotti, 95, of Providence, formerly of Cranston, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Hedy (Torres) Massotti, at his side on May 6, 2024.

Fred was born in the spring of 1928, a member of the San Antonio family. A lifelong resident of Cranston, RI, Fred graduated from Cranston High School in 1945. Fred later went on to attend Bryant College, Northeastern University, and Harvard Advanced Management Program.

On January 2, 1946, Fred joined Speidel where he served as company driver. During the next six years, Fred held position in shipping, the stockroom, and data processing, until he joined the United States Army in 1952 to serve in Korea. After two years military service, Fred rejoined Speidel.

During the next 14 years at Speidel, Fred held various positions of increased responsibility. Fred was instrumental to the introduction of British Sterling and the “Twist-O-Flex” watch band whose ingenious advertising took the country by storm. In January of 1968, Fred was appointed Vice President of Purchasing. This was quickly followed two years later by a promotion to Vice President of Operations. In 1978, Fred was promoted to Executive Vice President and in 1979 be became the President of Speidel, the position Fred held for the rest of his career.

Fred worked actively in many professional and civic organizations such as 24K Club, United Way, and Junior Achievement. He served on the Board of Directors for the Manufacturing Jewelers & Silversmiths of America. Fred was a member of the Providence Chamber of Commerce, The Aurora Club, the Ledgemont Country Club and Cranston’s “Man of the Year” award in 1991, receiving the key to the city.

Fred was always known as being a tough boss and demanded the combination of quality, discipline, balanced product line and superior performance that was the driving force behind the success of Speidel. He continually challenged his employees and the company her loved to strive for new heights and standards. Fred would often be seen on the factory floor engaging the people who worked with him. There were many hundreds of workers there, he knew all of them by name and was familiar with many of their family members. He was loved and respected by them all.

In addition to his wife he leaves his son, Robert Massotti; his daughter-in-law Jean Greiff; and granddaughters, Emily Simpson and Rebecca Conlan; and great grandson, Hal Cameron Simpson. Fred’s granddaughters fondly recall times being included in running errands and helping in the garden. He was generous with his time and spirit. They loved spending time with their “Papa”. He was the father of the late Joseph S. Greiff.

Relatives and friends are invited to Visitation Thursday morning, May 16, from 8:15am until 9:15am in the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Matthews Church, Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Burial will be private at Swan Point Cemetery.

Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnRI.com

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