Don DeStefano’s family is big. And they all like the business they’re in. Neal’s Radiator Service was founded in 1941 by Don’s father Neal DeStefano and his wife Evelyn. “We’re starting the fourth generation now,” says Don. “My kids are having kids. My son Dave runs the place.”

Don calls himself is a “Master of Modifying”. He can restore a vintage radiator to just about anything from tractors to classic cars to tractor trailers and semis. “Today’s radiators are disposable. They’re not the quality they used to be. You just can’t repair them to any satisfaction,” Don says.

Neal’s Radiator Service is the best equipped in the area for heavy-duty radiator and fuel tank repair, mig and tig welding and replacement parts and more. Don’s quite proud to be a master in his field. His biggest project to date was repairing some older generators at the Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems. Don says they were as big as a wall. He enjoys that hands-on part of his job and it shows. “No one like the labor-intensive work anymore - it’s all done on a computer.”

A respected businessman, Don tries to encourage other businesses to the area. His knowledge goes a long way at the Automotive Technology & Energy Group. That and the fact that he’s a fun guy to have at the meetings and events. Don says his favorite letter is G because it represents his passions (Golf, Girls, Gumdrops...etc.).

Don has five children: David, 30, manager of Neal’s Radiator Service; Evelyn, 27, is owner of a dog grooming business; and Allison, 25, works in sales for a gold and silver company. Then there’s John, 9, and Donald, 5, with his current wife of 10 years, Mary. Don is the proud grandfather to 3 grandchildren.

Not many people know that long ago Don was one of the top 10 ranked racquetball players in WNY and a champion at the New York State Open. These days he spends many hours on the golf course at River Oaks Country Club.

Don is currently in charge of the Buyers Group along with Bob Gliss. If you are looking to become a participant in this money saving group or are interested in becoming a vendor, please give him a call at (716) 877-7912.