New Jersey Auto Industry Legend Lee Vetland Passes Away
Vetland owned Lee’s Auto Body and Pine Top Service in Avenel, New Jersey, and was the co-owner of the Colonia Country Club (the site of AASP/NJ’s annual Golf Outing) in Colonia. In addition to his long history with AASP/NJ, he was a founder and board member of Auto Body Distributing Co. and served as president of the Garden State Automotive Federation, one of the groups that merged to form AASP/NJ nearly 20 years ago.
Former Gopher Motors Owner Fritz Driver Passes Away
Driver, previous owner Gopher Motors, and a longtime member of the Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PERA), passed away on Dec. 25. He was 91.
Obituary: H. W. ‘Knap’ Knapheide III, President of The Knapheide Manufacturing Co.
Knap was fiercely loyal and dedicated to his friends. He was committed to his family business, Knapheide Manufacturing, and would be considered a true patriot.
AACF Mourns Loss Of Founding Member Joe Mittelman
Past CEO of The Mittelman Group for more than 50 years and former chairman of the Auto Parts & Accessories Association, Mittelman co-founded the organization now recognized as AACF. He had been actively involved in board and committee leadership since its inception.
Obituary: Automotive Distribution Network Mourns Passing Of Michael Sneed, President Of Mid-America Parts Distribution
A loyal member of the Memphis Street Rods car club, Sneed refused to let his deteriorating health slow him down in recent months – literally. In June, he traveled to Wildwood, New Jersey, with Steve Tucker, the Network’s vice president of marketing, to compete in his first-ever Race of Gentlemen, the infamous beach racing event, where he won a first-round matchup despite what he called “wonderfully challenging conditions.”
UPDATED – Obituary: Freddie Bunting II Of Auto-Wares Group Of Companies
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Fred A. Bunting II Fund in Melanoma Research to stop the deaths of others from this devastating cancer.
Obituary: Frederick Mancheski, Chairman Emeritus, Echlin Inc.
In 1963, Mancheski was hired at Echlin Manufacturing Co. in New Haven, Connecticut. Within one year, he became president of the company, and, in 1967, he was promoted to chairman and CEO. Echlin flourished under Mancheski’s management, and became known as Echlin Inc.
Automotive Distribution Network Announces Passing Of Industry Leader Wilson McMillion, CEO Of W M Automotive
McMillion will be remembered as a family man, a man of faith and a successful businessman whose office door was always open to anyone who worked for the Fort Worth-based Parts Plus member.
Triangle Tire Mourns Loss Of Chairman Ding
During his 28 years’ tenure with Triangle Tire, Ding grew Triangle from a small provincial tire factory to become one of the world’s largest full line tire producers.
AkzoNobel Remembers Dave Smith
Smith, who passed away on May 28, served as the regional sales leader for the U.S. East market for AkzoNobel.
Aftermarket Industry Bids Farewell To Trevor Musso: Industry Icon And Friend
An aftermarket legend in his time, Musso was recognized as an AIA Lifetime Industry Achiever in Las Vegas in 2001.
Truck-Lite Celebrates The Life And Career Of Bradley Van Riper
“Brad has been an integral part of the Truck-Lite organization for 40 years,” said Brian Kupchella, Truck-Lite CEO. “His contributions extend beyond the success of this company to the entire transportation safety industry. He will be missed by all who knew him.”
