Toronto, Ontario 一 CSN 427 Auto Collision is saddened to announce the passing of the company’s founder and former president, Ralph D’Alessandro, who died on Monday, July 26.
D’Alessandro was nearing 90 years old and had served as president of CSN 427 Auto Collision for 40 years, from the company’s foundation to when he passed on executive management to his three sons in 2011.
In a press release issued by the D’Alessandro family on Monday, Ralph was described as “a born leader who took calculated risks that others wouldn’t even consider. He forged strategic partnerships across the automotive repair industry and actively pursued the latest innovations. Ralph always made time to share insights and lessons with his three sons, grandchildren and dedicated employees一many of whom worked with him for over 30 years. His commitment to continual improvement was a thread woven into the family principles nurtured by him and his wife Gina and the values of the family business.”
Ralph used to say, “If you eat small bites, you can eat all the time. You don’t want to choke.”
Before owning his own business, Ralph’s brother ran a small shop offering mechanical and autobody services. He was heavily involved in the autobody division and ultimately took the reins of the bodyshop by 1972.
Some of Ralph’s greatest accolades in the aftermarket include being the first facility in North America to adopt the Sikkens brand of refinish coatings–which the business still uses to this day–and serving as one of first facilities in the CSN Collision Centre fold in 2001.
Speaking on behalf of his brothers Frank and John, Lorenzo D’Alessandro said, “My father’s health has been deteriorating for some time now, but the end is something you’re never prepared for. He was our visionary, our mentor, our business partner. Most importantly, he was our father and grandfather and dedicated his entire life to our well-being and for that, we are eternally grateful for his wisdom and love.”
Please join Collision Repair magazine in honouring the life and legacy of Ralph D’Alessandro.
