ASA Loses Beloved Collision Leader: Russ Verona

February 7, 2006

Russ Verona, AAM, a longtime Automotive Service Association (ASA) member and leader, died Feb. 6 of heart failure. Verona owned and operated East Rockford Collision Center in Rockford, Ill., for 41 years and had worked in the industry for more than 50 years.

As recently as last fall, Verona's shop was in the news for its noted distinction of celebrating 15 consecutive years as an I-CAR Gold Class Professional shop. East Rockford Collision Center was the first to attain the Gold Class Professional designation in 1990.

In addition to his business achievements, Verona was a well-respected leader in the ASA community and other collision industry activities. He unofficially served as an ASA ambassador at worldwide collision events. He also welcomed international visitors to the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE), ASA's annual collision repair event. Verona served as NACE chairman in 1995. Verona also served several terms on the ASA Collision Division Operations Committee, and was ASA's Collision Division director from 1995-1996. Other ASA leadership positions held by Verona include affiliate director from 1991-1995, and fifth member of ASA's executive committee from 1994-1995.

"Russ was a visionary and understood that collision repair is a global industry," said Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive. "People from all over the world were encouraged to come together at NACE and other venues to network and learn from one another."

Verona was a member of the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) board and was elected to the organization's executive board in 1990. After serving as vice chairman of I-CAR's board of directors, he later served as chairman.

Verona was recognized for his excellence in the collision repair industry through many awards. He received ASA's Phoenix Award for excellence in collision repair in 1990, the ASC Go-Tiger Award in 1985 and the 1985 ASC-Illinois Professional of the Year award.

"Russ Verona will be greatly missed by ASA and the collision repair industry as a whole," said Denise Caspersen, ASA Collision Division manager. "Not only has Russ been instrumental in crossing the European waters with his involvement in the Association Internationale des Reparateurs en Carrosserie (AIRC), he actively guided NACE and ASA's Collision Division Operations Committee. ASA is fortunate to have worked with and learned from such a professional and leader."

 
Colleagues, friends and ASA staff members who worked with Verona remember a man who was committed to the collision repair industry and the association that he loved and served so faithfully through extensive involvement and participation.

Geralynn Kottschade, AAM, immediate past ASA chairman, said Verona made extensive contributions to the industry. "Russ had a true passion for the industry and he used that passion to mentor many people in the industry," she said. "He was a great friend, and I will remember how he always looked at the positive side to things."

Funeral details are still pending. Letters, cards and condolences may be sent to:

East Rockford Collision Center
c/o Marianne or Nick Verona
2602 17th St.
Rockford, IL 61109-1317