Richard Gudoian

- Richard ?Dick? Gudoian, 61, of 13 Thayer Court Portsmouth, and West Palm Beach, FL, died Friday, June 28, 2002 at Brigham And Womens Hospital Boston, MA. He was the husband of Geraldine Sylvia Gudoian. Born in Bridgeport, CT on July 27, 1940, he was the son of the late Arshag and Tarvis Shahinian Gudoian. Mr. Gudoian was the founder of the Newport Autocenter in Middletown. He opened his first dealership on Connell Highway in 1969 with Alfa Romeo and Fiat franchises. In 1971, the business expanded when he acquired a BMW franchise. The dealership?s success came from Mr. Gudoian?s continued efforts towards the company growth. The growth led to the relocation to the current facilities on West Main Road in Middletown, where AMC, Renault, and Jeep were added. Over the years, Mr. Gudoian continued to grow the automotive business, and in 1991 passed the reigns to his son, Richard Gudoian, Jr. After his retirment from the business, he continued to consult with the Company?s management, touting company success through customer satisfaction and service. He managed and owned several pieces of commercial real estate on Aquidneck Island including the Middletown Tradesman Center and One Corporate Place office center, both in Middletown. He was a well respected and innovative member of automobile business in the local area for 35 years. His career began with Newport Imports and eventually grew into the largest dealership in Rhode Island with over 500 employees. Besides his wife he is survived by his son Richard Gudoian Jr. of Newport, RI, his daughter Debra Kavanagh of Portsmouth, RI, two sisters Martha Bushey of Sunderland, MA, and Madeline Palian of North Providence, RI, and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be private. Donations may be made in his memory to the Autism Research Institute ?D.A.N. Project 4182 Adams Avenue San Diego, CA 92116. Arrangements were by the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.