Edward "Eddie" Hyder

Edward George Hyder, 67, of Worcester, founder and proprietor of Ed Hyder's Mediterranean Marketplace, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 6, 2018. Ed was deeply committed to his family, friends, customers, and community. He was unfailingly kind and generous, with a warmth he extended to everyone he met. Ed enjoyed telling stories, one of many ways that he remembered people, shared his own life with others, and offered advice. Ed loved the city and people of Worcester and was thrilled to be part of this vibrant community as a business owner. In 1975, Ed opened Ed Hyder's Mediterranean Marketplace in a 400-square-foot space with tightly-packed shelves. In 1994, Ed bought a historic former firehouse where he evolved his business into a specialty market that became a food and wine destination in the region. Ed greeted customers, often in their native language, with a smile and a story, always eager to help patrons navigate the store and find just what they were looking for – or didn't know they needed. Ed was as caring with his employees as he was with his customers, offering support and a listening ear, and time with him would prove an invaluable experience for all. Born and raised on Grafton Hill, the son of George F. and Minnie E. (Kalil) Hyder, Ed graduated from North High School in 1968. He attended Quinsigamond Community College then earned his bachelor’s degree in History from Worcester State University. Ed was a third-generation grocer. He began working at Hyder's Market on Hamilton Street, alongside his father and uncles, at age 10. Ed was an active member of St. George Orthodox Cathedral throughout his life. He delighted in creating community among fellow parishioners and friends. He helped found the Knights of St. George Heritage Archives, served on the Cathedral board, and planned countless church festivals and events. A boy scout from a young age, Ed achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in his late teens. Many of his fondest memories were made at Treasure Valley with Troop 72. Ed was a Mason and member of the Boylston Lodge. An avid music fan and drummer, Ed played both jazz and Middle Eastern music professionally. He performed with a number of bands, entertaining people at countless weddings and other events. Ed leaves his loving wife of 40 years, Edna M. (Boshar) Hyder. Ed treasured his children, Alexis M. Hyder, of Boston, Miriam E. Hyder and her husband Patrick Logan, and Gregory E. Hyder all of Worcester, and his sister, Linda A. Hyder, of Mendocino, CA. Ed leaves countless cousins, nieces, and nephews, and one surviving uncle. Family was everything to Ed. Ed and Edna had a strong partnership. They lit up when they danced together at haflis, and last spring traveled to France, exploring wine regions, learning from fourteenth-generation winemakers, and enjoying the gorgeous countryside. He was incredibly proud of his children and shared stories about them with anyone who would listen. He loved his sister and hung her gorgeous photographs in his home. Ed maintained strong bonds with his cousins despite geographic distance. Ed treasured his friendships, holding them close to his heart. He nurtured many lifelong relationships, and continued making friends of all ages. Ed was kind, engaging, and funny. He loved meeting people and sharing a joke and a story. Ed enjoyed life's simple pleasures. On Sunday mornings in the summer, Ed and Edna loved walking along Narragansett Town Beach in Rhode Island, collecting shells and listening to the ocean. He was an expert crossword puzzler and a voracious reader. Ed loved learning about and drinking wine, always ready with a recommendation and extra glasses for friends.  He is missed dearly. Calling hours will be held from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., Sunday, February 11, and again from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., Monday, February 12, followed by the funeral at 11 a.m., at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester, MA with burial at Hope Cemetery. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel is honored to assist the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. George Orthodox Cathedral Endowment Fund (30 Anna Street, Worcester, MA 01602), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105), or to honor his nephew living with a spinal cord injury, the Christopher I. Boshar Trust (10 Essex Place, Chelmsford, MA 01824).