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.
9 Responses
Ralph’s influence on the collision industry and especially the Canadian market will be felt forever.
My deepest condolences to the D’Alessandro family on Ralph’s passing. I worked closely with Ralph on the Centennial College Board. He was so committed and worked hard to encourage people to work work in our industry. He was always full of ideas and and loved to laugh. Ralph was a forerunner to making our industry a better place to work. He will be sadly missed by so many. Rest in Peace my friend. Joy Skinner
You were an inspiration and a leader to our industry. Your dedication to the advancement of the collision repair industry was truly instrumental and can now be seen in many shops today.
Rest in Peace, Ralph.
Such a sad day. My deepest condolences to the to the D’Alessandro family in this difficult time. I first met Ralph in 1990. He always made me feel so welcome. Whenever I saw him he would ask how I was doing and it always felt sincere. You can feel his passion for health, success and well being to all the people he touched throughout his life. He always wanted the best for each and every person he met. Always a contagious smile and uplifting positive aura surrounded him. Rest In Peace. You will be sadly missed.
Ralph D’Alessandro is an inspiration to us all.
Be honest, work hard and love your family.
Rest In Peace.
Our deepest condolences to all of the family in this great loss. Your father was truly a incredible and interesting man who was a leading edge business man. Truly an individual who left his mark in many .
On behalf of Peel Chrysler Fiat, Our Deepest Condolences to the D’Alessandro family. Ralph D’Alessandro was a great man, hard working, built a great business and is a true Immigrant success story. He raised a wonderful hard working family, who continue to instill the values passed onto them by their loving father.
God knows how hard you worked in your life my friend.
Rest in Peace Mr. D’Alessandro,
My deepest condolences to the entire D’Alessandro family. Raffaele was a man I could always have a conversation with and feel like I had known him forever. Genuine and thoughtful. RIP and Happy birthday today.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out Ralphs family. He was an honest ,sincere gentleman and a legend in this industry. He will be missed by many . May you R.I. P. Ralph