Al (Alex) Piemonte Jr. passed away on Dec. 24, 2014 at Lake Forest Hospital in Illinois. He was 83.

Piemonte worked in the automotive industry for more than 50 years and was the owner of six new-vehicle dealerships: two Ford dealerships, two Nissan stores, Al Piemonte Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram in St. Charles, Ill., Piemonte’s Dundee Chevrolet dealership in East Dundee, Ill, and a used-vehicle super car outlet in Northlake, Ill. In the fleet industry, he was primarily known for Piemonte National Fleet.

Piemonte was the original owner of the dealerships and founded his business in 1965.

He was a military veteran and served during the Korean War. In addition, Piemonte participated on many boards, including the Chicago Auto Trade Association, the Ford Dealers Advertising Board for over 20 years, Villa Scalabrini, and several local bank boards.

He was proud of his heritage and was named Man of the Year for the Italian American National Union.

For his many years of owning a successful business and for his community service, officials in Melrose Park named a street in Piemonte’s honor.

He was born on Nov. 17, 1931, and is survived by his wife Rosanna and five children, including Mary, Jeff, Patrick, Alexandra, and Marco. He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory, who died as a child.

By Mike Antich