WEST BABYLON, NY – Salvatore (Sal) Crimi, co-founder of SALEX and one of the principal contributors in the establishment of the Lee Myles National Fleet Transmission replacement program, passed away on August 24. Crimi was 86.

With his business partner Alex Gianoupolos, Crimi created SALEX, a combination of their two first names. SALEX was designed to provide to corporate America the first nationwide collision and major mechanical programs exclusive for fleets. At a later date, the company added standard and preventive maintenance services.

"I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Sal was a both a dear friend as well as a business associate for some 40-plus years," said Al Cavalli. "I recall discussing with him his ideas of establishing the service which became Salex, the first truly national collision repair and maintenance program. He was a gentleman and always ready to help those in need. He will be sorely missed."

The addition of these services established SALEX as the first full-service supplier of collision and full maintenance programs to the fleet industry. He is an honorary NAFA lifetime member.

“Personally, I am truly saddened by Sal’s passing as I have known him for 35 years,” said Bob Martines, president of CCM. “He was one of the individuals that gave me my start in the automotive industry for which I thank him. He was a fine gentleman, quick with a smile and a joke, some terrible, but still he made you smile. He will be missed by many.”

He is survived by his wife Rose, his son Angelo Crimi, his daughter Grace Jacobs, his sister Agnes Iraggi, Angie Mortaro, and Nick and Tom Crimi. He has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

“The fleet industry was very important to my father,” said Angelo Crimi, Sal Crimi’s son. “It was about more than just business to him. He truly wanted to improve the industry through innovation and service.”

"I was saddened to hear of Sal's passing," said Bob Cavalli, VP Sales, Indirect and Cobrand at US Bank. "He was indeed an innovator, and our industry is the lesser without him."