Gino Francescangeli Jr., the long-time Fleet National Accounts Director for The Pep Boys: Manny, Moe & Jack, passed away from cancer on Jan. 5 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital with his family by his side. He was 61.

Francescangeli worked for 20 years at the Philadelphia-based The Pep Boys, joining the company in 1995. His career highlights at The Pep Boys included being responsible for 17 consecutive years of revenue growth and the development, from the ground-up, of a national account sales department and field sales team.

While at The Pep Boys, Francescangeli developed and managed a regional and local sales team supporting 3,000-plus clients in the local and mid-range market including 400 Fortune 500 clients in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Prior to joining The Pep Boys, Francescangeli was manager, national accounts for AAMCO Transmissions from 1985 to 1995, where he managed the national fleet account sales program in support of 3,000 clients and 1,000 franchisees.

Earlier in his career, Francescangeli was regional manager for Miley Security Services from 1981 to 1985, where he sold industrial and commercial security services to corporations.

Francescangeli was born in Philadelphia. He also grew up in Warminster, Pa., and was a 1971 graduate of Archbishop Wood High School. From 1974 to 1978, Francecangeli attended the College of New Jersey, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

He spent much of his adult life involved in the CYO basketball programs at St. John Bosco, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and St. Jude parishes. He was also an avid fishing rod builder and boater.

Francescangeli resided in New Britain, Pa., and was married for 33 years to Colleen (Taylor) Francescangeli. He is also survived by his children Mari Rose, Timothy, Matthew, and Margaret Francescangeli; his sister Karen Myers and three brothers Barry, Thomas, and Richard Francescangeli.

By Mike Antich