The collision repair industry lost a dedicated leader and advocate with the unexpected passing of Charles Edward “Chad” Sulkala on Saturday, May 31 at his home in Northampton, Mass. He was 54 years old. Chad’s impact on the collision repair industry spanned more than two decades, marked by exceptional volunteer service and leadership across multiple […]
Lavell Chisum, Collision Repair Industry Inventor, Dies at 98
The collision repair industry lost a visionary with the passing of Finis Lavell Chisum, 98, of McAlester, Okla. who died peacefully on May 7. Known affectionately as Lavell to friends and family, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy of innovation, entrepreneurship, and service. Chisum is best known as the inventor of the EZ Liner frame […]
Services September 19-20 for Al Estorga, Former Collision Repair Shop Owner and President of California Autobody Association
Services have been scheduled for Al Estorga, the former owner of Estorga’s Collision Repair in Long Beach, Calif., who passed away September 6 at the age of 79. Estorga, a third-generation collision repairer, was CEO of Estorga’s Collision Repair Center located in Long Beach Calif., starting in 1970. He served as president of the California […]
BendPak Founder Don Henthorn Passes Away
Don Henthorn, owner and founder of BendPak Inc., passed away at home Thursday, March 28, at the age of 85. Under his leadership, BendPak has grown from a small machine shop to one of the world’s leading manufacturers of car lifts and automotive service equipment. Management and operations of the privately owned company are unchanged. […]
AASP/NJ Mourns the Loss of Board Member Sam Mikhail
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) with great sadness announced the death of longtime member Sam Mikhail, former owner of Prestige Auto Body in Garwood, N.J. Mikhail, an AASP/NJ Hall of Famer, served on the AASP/NJ Board for decades and was a friend and inspiration to all. He strived to make […]
Diamond Standard Parts’ Emmett Baker Passes Away
Diamond Standard Parts announced the passing of William Emmett Baker on June 25 at the age of 68. Baker was a member of the Diamond Standard start up group and later served as Northeast Sales and Distribution manager at Diamond Standard’s Pittston, Pa distribution facility until his retirement. A visitation for Baker will be held […]
Michael Lloyd, Former CIECA Chair and California Casualty AVP of Material Damage Claims, Passes Away
Michael Lloyd, whose career in the industry spanned over 50 years in both collision repair and auto insurance, passed away January 25 at the age of 69. Michael was born March 28, 1953, in Poplar Bluff, Mo, the middle child of three children. He learned car repair and body shop management from his father who […]
AASP/NJ Mourns Longtime Members Jack Wilson and Sal Failla
Early December brought the loss of two longtime members, supporters and friends of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) with the passing of Jack Wilson, former owner of Coury’s Auto Body in Toms River, and Sebastiano “Sal” Failla of Sal’s Auto Body in Green Brook. Jack passed away on December 5, […]
Longtime Pennsylvania Collision Repair Shop Owner Franny Monaghan Passes Away
Francis X. “Franny” Monaghan, who owned and operated Monaghan’s Collision Service in Abington and Willow Grove, Pa. passed away November 1 at the age of 79. Franny was active in the Delaware Valley Collision Specialists association for many years and active at the state and national level. He was a frequent participant for many years […]
Jeff Silver, Former I-CAR Leader and Shop Owner, Passes Away
Silver was chief staff executive at non-profit training organization for 11 years. Was driving force behind establishment of Collision Repair Education Foundation. The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) announced on Friday that Jeff Silver, who served as the chief staff executive of the non-profit training organization from 1985 to 1996 has passed away […]