Society
Cuddy Honored With Barry Award
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| Beneficial Bank President and CEO Gerard P. Cuddy smiles while listening to a speech in his honor after receiving the Barry Award on Nov. 20. (Courtesy of Maria Tucker) |
By Beth Hegedus, For The Bulletin
MOVER and SHAKER: One who wields power and influence in a sphere of activity (Webster’s Dictionary). Power and influence are not words commonly used in conjunction with other words describing a mover and shaker, words like – an ethical and family man; community-oriented, proud of his faith and, most importantly, one of us.
On Friday, Nov. 20, Philadelphia’s illustrious business community reiterated those words many times as they honored Beneficial Bank President and CEO Gerard P. Cuddy. This Delaware County native received the “Barry Award” from the American Catholic Historical Society (ACHS) named for Commodore John Barry, the Irish Catholic immigrant who, during the American Revolution, rose to become the “Father of the American Navy.” This award is presented by the ACHS to an American who contributes to the Catholic Church, their community and, by their professional accomplishments, has distinguished themselves. Mr. Cuddy is now in a class with some of Philadelphia’s and the country’s finest Catholic movers and shakers including the former Eagles’ and now WPHT talk radio host, Jim Murray; Daniel J. Keating, Jr.; former Gov. Robert P. Casey, and Justice Antonin Scalia.
Notables that were in attendance to pay tribute and honor Mr. Cuddy included Bud Hansen, Harry O’Neill, Bill Sasso, Lou Baldwin, Bruce Lev, and Norbert McGettigan.
Mr. Hansen, president of Hansen Properties and co-chair for the evening’s event, had this to say about his long-time friend: “Gerry Cuddy has been a good friend for over 20 years. He is one smart banker, and is incredibly intuitive.”
Harry O’Neill, retired partner from Stradley Ronon said that Cuddy is an example of a man who has an excellent work ethic.
The man who actually brought Mr. Cuddy to Beneficial Bank, Joe McLaughlin, former president of the bank, had nothing but kudos: “Gerry has good judgment and is careful with other people’s money. On top of that, he has a great personality with an unmistakable aura of sincerity. He is one of us.”
Always charming and affable, Mr. Murray, a man who is synonymous with the Eagles and the Ronald McDonald House said, “Gerry is a good friend who walks the walk and talks the talk. He’s a Delaware County boy and is one of us.”
Representing the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Bishop Joseph McFadden has known Mr. Cuddy for 20 years due to his undying support of the BLOCS (Business Leaders Organized for Catholic Schools) program that is the fundraising representative for Catholic Education to the surrounding five-county business community. Bishop McFadden said, “Gerry believes in the mission of Catholic education and lives his faith every day.”
Mr. Lev, the creative mind behind the well-known advertising agency, LevLane, had nothing but glowing words about his client and friend: “I’ve known Gerry for about three years and have come to regard him as a man of vision and integrity.”
The loveliest words of the night were spoken by über-attorney, philanthropist, and recipient of many awards, Bill Sasso, chairman of Stradley Ronon. “I’ve known Gerry for 15 years as our firm is a client of Beneficial. We went there because Beneficial understands business. You can count on them through the tough times. In addition, Gerry is an outstanding human being as is evidenced by what he has accomplished there and in the community.”
David S. Lipson, publisher of Philadelphia Magazine and co-chair of the event, opened with a line that brought the house down: “I was asked, ‘What’s a nice Jewish boy like you doing at a Catholic event?’ Well, I’ll tell you. It’s because of my fitness regimen.” Then Mr. Lipson went on to articulate how he and Mr. Cuddy became friends because of the same gym they shared. Now, they are major buds and have enriched each other’s lives with respect, honor, dignity, and occasionally a colorful joke. In addition to being a good friend, he said Mr. Cuddy is a smart banker who loves music, the Phillies, his children and wife, not necessarily in that order. He brings his work ethic with him wherever he goes. Considering it was a standing-room only (SRO) crowd at the Union League, that is perfect evidence of that fact.
Even though the evening was packed with notables, there were many non-business people there are well, especially Delaware Countians who knew Gerry Cuddy, even as a teenager, had the “IT” factor, that intangible, special gift not possessed by everyone. They knew that one day Gerry Cuddy was going to carve a niche for himself in his life and career – and carve it he has.
The honoree, Gerard P. Cuddy, graduate of St. Bernadette’s Grade School in Drexel Hill, Monsignor Bonner High School, St. Joseph’s University and Villanova University said he was humbled by this honor. “I believe in prayer and am very proud to be a Catholic. Coming to Beneficial has given me tremendous opportunity and I’m overwhelmed with the talent that we have. Fortunately, we have had great growth. Personally, I am blessed with my wonderful family, my sons, Payton and Graham, but, most importantly, the woman who is the author of my success, my beloved wife, Tricia.
In addition to remarks from Mr. Hansen, Mr. Lipson, Linda Ann Galante, and Edgar Welsh, the evening started off with John Gordon, the great Philadelphia Irish tenor, singing “America the Beautiful,” and Nate Polite, from Mastbaum High School accompanying him. Afterwards, Mr. Polite played a beautiful piece and it is obvious this man is going to be a force in the musical community.
The American Catholic Historical Society was founded to collect and preserve materials relating to American history and the contributions of Catholics to the building of our great nation, as well as the Catholic Church in the United States. Founded in 1884, the society continues to research and maintain a history of Catholic contributions to our culture. The Web site is www.amchs.org.
On Friday, Nov. 20, Philadelphia’s illustrious business community reiterated those words many times as they honored Beneficial Bank President and CEO Gerard P. Cuddy. This Delaware County native received the “Barry Award” from the American Catholic Historical Society (ACHS) named for Commodore John Barry, the Irish Catholic immigrant who, during the American Revolution, rose to become the “Father of the American Navy.” This award is presented by the ACHS to an American who contributes to the Catholic Church, their community and, by their professional accomplishments, has distinguished themselves. Mr. Cuddy is now in a class with some of Philadelphia’s and the country’s finest Catholic movers and shakers including the former Eagles’ and now WPHT talk radio host, Jim Murray; Daniel J. Keating, Jr.; former Gov. Robert P. Casey, and Justice Antonin Scalia.
Notables that were in attendance to pay tribute and honor Mr. Cuddy included Bud Hansen, Harry O’Neill, Bill Sasso, Lou Baldwin, Bruce Lev, and Norbert McGettigan.
Mr. Hansen, president of Hansen Properties and co-chair for the evening’s event, had this to say about his long-time friend: “Gerry Cuddy has been a good friend for over 20 years. He is one smart banker, and is incredibly intuitive.”
Harry O’Neill, retired partner from Stradley Ronon said that Cuddy is an example of a man who has an excellent work ethic.
The man who actually brought Mr. Cuddy to Beneficial Bank, Joe McLaughlin, former president of the bank, had nothing but kudos: “Gerry has good judgment and is careful with other people’s money. On top of that, he has a great personality with an unmistakable aura of sincerity. He is one of us.”
Always charming and affable, Mr. Murray, a man who is synonymous with the Eagles and the Ronald McDonald House said, “Gerry is a good friend who walks the walk and talks the talk. He’s a Delaware County boy and is one of us.”
Representing the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Bishop Joseph McFadden has known Mr. Cuddy for 20 years due to his undying support of the BLOCS (Business Leaders Organized for Catholic Schools) program that is the fundraising representative for Catholic Education to the surrounding five-county business community. Bishop McFadden said, “Gerry believes in the mission of Catholic education and lives his faith every day.”
Mr. Lev, the creative mind behind the well-known advertising agency, LevLane, had nothing but glowing words about his client and friend: “I’ve known Gerry for about three years and have come to regard him as a man of vision and integrity.”
The loveliest words of the night were spoken by über-attorney, philanthropist, and recipient of many awards, Bill Sasso, chairman of Stradley Ronon. “I’ve known Gerry for 15 years as our firm is a client of Beneficial. We went there because Beneficial understands business. You can count on them through the tough times. In addition, Gerry is an outstanding human being as is evidenced by what he has accomplished there and in the community.”
David S. Lipson, publisher of Philadelphia Magazine and co-chair of the event, opened with a line that brought the house down: “I was asked, ‘What’s a nice Jewish boy like you doing at a Catholic event?’ Well, I’ll tell you. It’s because of my fitness regimen.” Then Mr. Lipson went on to articulate how he and Mr. Cuddy became friends because of the same gym they shared. Now, they are major buds and have enriched each other’s lives with respect, honor, dignity, and occasionally a colorful joke. In addition to being a good friend, he said Mr. Cuddy is a smart banker who loves music, the Phillies, his children and wife, not necessarily in that order. He brings his work ethic with him wherever he goes. Considering it was a standing-room only (SRO) crowd at the Union League, that is perfect evidence of that fact.
Even though the evening was packed with notables, there were many non-business people there are well, especially Delaware Countians who knew Gerry Cuddy, even as a teenager, had the “IT” factor, that intangible, special gift not possessed by everyone. They knew that one day Gerry Cuddy was going to carve a niche for himself in his life and career – and carve it he has.
The honoree, Gerard P. Cuddy, graduate of St. Bernadette’s Grade School in Drexel Hill, Monsignor Bonner High School, St. Joseph’s University and Villanova University said he was humbled by this honor. “I believe in prayer and am very proud to be a Catholic. Coming to Beneficial has given me tremendous opportunity and I’m overwhelmed with the talent that we have. Fortunately, we have had great growth. Personally, I am blessed with my wonderful family, my sons, Payton and Graham, but, most importantly, the woman who is the author of my success, my beloved wife, Tricia.
In addition to remarks from Mr. Hansen, Mr. Lipson, Linda Ann Galante, and Edgar Welsh, the evening started off with John Gordon, the great Philadelphia Irish tenor, singing “America the Beautiful,” and Nate Polite, from Mastbaum High School accompanying him. Afterwards, Mr. Polite played a beautiful piece and it is obvious this man is going to be a force in the musical community.
The American Catholic Historical Society was founded to collect and preserve materials relating to American history and the contributions of Catholics to the building of our great nation, as well as the Catholic Church in the United States. Founded in 1884, the society continues to research and maintain a history of Catholic contributions to our culture. The Web site is www.amchs.org.
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