Trucking Industry Loses Respected Passionate Leader

MISSISSAUGA, ON. — Clem Dalessandro loved his wife Laurie, his daughters Gina and Jessica, his son Vince, his granddaughter Naomi, antique cars and the trucking business.

Dalessandro died Saturday April 7 at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga just three weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. He was 62.

Dalessandro was the founder of Bestway Cartage Ltd, which he started in 1976.

He moved to Canada from his native Italy at 13 and had a small business as a residential painter before getting into trucking.

Over the years he grew Bestway from a one-straight-truck local p&d operation to a fleet of more than 50 trucks and 100 trailers, handling LTL shipments throughout the Golden Horseshoe area and to and from the U.S.A.

He retired in August 2011 and handed the Bestway reins to his brother Peter and his friend and colleague Larry Franch.

Dalessandro, Franch told todaystrucking.com, was a well-respected businessman whose charm and sense of humor won him many friends in the industry.

 “Clem had a passion for the service industry, especially the trucking industry,” Franch said. “Whether he was meeting with customers or dealing with new equipment salespeople, he always took the time to get to know them on a personal level.

“He truly enjoyed the friendships he built from his years at Bestway. He respected his employees and always held truck drivers in the highest regard.”

“Clem was a big fan of good wine, good food and a good golf course,” Franch added.

A funeral service will be held at Scott Funeral Home, 420 Dundas St, East, Mississauga, Thursday, April 12, at 11:30 a.m.

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday April 11, from 2:00 to 4:00pm and from 7:00 to 9:00


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