AkzoNobel announced that Dave Smith, Regional Sales Leader for the U.S. East Market, passed away May 28. In a statement, the paint system manufacturer said: It is with great sadness that AkzoNobel announces the death of our dear friend and colleague, Dave Smith, who passed away on May 28, 2018. Dave was much respected by […]
Denise Hepler, Former NABC Board Member, Passes Away
Denise Hepler, the former national account manager, replacement relationships for Hertz, and member of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) board of directors, passed away March 21. Hepler, 53, who resided in St. Peters, Mo., managed multiple shop operator accounts for Hertz for several years and represented the company at industry events. Hepler was elected […]
AASP/NJ Board Member William “Billy” Aiello Passes Away
William “Billy” Aiello, 47 of South Plainfield, N.J. passed away surrounded by his family January 30, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick. Aiello was elected to the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers on NJ (AASP/NJ) Board of Directors in October 2017. Aiello is survived by his wife Kara (Kaskiw) Aiello, his daughter Brooke, […]
AASP/NJ Mourns the Loss of Board Member Anthony Sauta
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) announced that on December 19 it lost a dear friend, supporter and current Board member with the passing of Anthony Sauta at age 59. Sauta began his automotive career over 25 years ago, working as a mechanic, then as a manager at an automotive repair […]
Andre Lacy, Former FinishMaster Chairman, Dies in Motorcycle Crash in Africa
LDI Ltd., LLC announced the death of its chairman, Andre B. Lacy, yesterday at age 78. Lacy passed away in Botswana in a single-rider accident while on a private motorcycle tour in southern Africa. LDI acquired majority control of FinishMaster in 1996. Lacy served as chairman and CEO of FinishMaster until his retirement from the […]
Al Gaspar, Former President of AAIA, Passes Away
Al Gaspar, industry icon and former president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), passed away at his home in Cave Creek, Ariz. on Saturday, Nov. 25. “Al was one of the most respected and revered individuals in the business,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “When Al walked into […]
Gene Hamilton Passes Away
Innovative founder of Atlanta, Ga.-area Sports and Imports Collision served in leadership positions on the boards of numerous industry organizations. Gene Lee Hamilton, founder of Sports and Imports Collision in Duluth, Ga. passed away Sunday at the age of 71. Hamilton started his career in the industry in automobile sales then later opened Sports and […]
Geoff Crane, Former Diamond Standard Auto Parts Director of Industry Relations, Passes Away
Geoffrey “Geoff” Crane, who served as director of industry relations at Diamond Standard Auto Parts, passed away September 5 in Olive Branch, Miss. at the age of 70. Diamond Standard, in a statement posted on its website, noted, “With sadness, we note the passing of Geoffrey Crane. Geoff was an integral part of the Diamond […]
Services Announced for Howard Batchelor
Services have been announced for Howard Batchelor, the long-time executive director of the Georgia Collision Industry Association, who passed away last week. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, September 20 at 2:30 p.m. at Roswell United Methodist Church in the Chapel. Ingram Funeral Home, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made […]
Howard Batchelor, Georgia Collision Industry Association Executive Director, Passes Away
The Georgia Collision Industry Association (GCIA) announced that its longtime executive director, Howard Batchelor, passed away yesterday. Batchelor, had been battling an inoperable brain tumor. The GCIA announced his passing yesterday in a statement on its website: Executive Director, colleague, and friend, Howard Batchelor, passed away this morning. As many know, he had been battling […]