Accuride Aftermarket Sales Director Tony Pape Dies

UPDATED — Tony Pape, Accuride’s director of aftermarket strategy and sales, has died, the company announced. He was 53.

Pape resided in Newburgh, Indiana with his family. Arrangements have not yet been finalized. He is survived by his wife Leslie and three children. In addition to his director’s role, he led the company’s distributor advisory council and had a career in the commercial vehicle industry for more than 27 years.

“It is with great sorrow that we share the news that Accuride and the commercial vehicle industry lost a tremendous contributor with the passing of Tony Pape,” said Rick Dauch, Accuride president & CEO. “All of us at Accuride extend our deepest condolences to Tony’s wife Leslie and three children.”

Pape joined Accuride in 2005 in an aftermarket leadership role holding subsequent sales and marketing positions before being appointed to his director position in 2013. Prior to his career at Accuride, Pape spent more than 14 years with Meritor in marketing, sales and finance positions.

Pape was a past member of the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network board of directors and represented Accuride on the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association’s Marketing and Sales Forum. He earned his MBA and bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois.

A fund has been established for the Pape family since his passing.  Checks should be made out to "Tony Pape Memorial Fund:" 5th/3rd Bank, P.O. Box 762, Newburgh, IN 47629.  If you wish to reach out to his wife Leslie, you may also include a note with the check. 

Family will receive friends Friday, August 7, 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Alexander Funeral Home, 5333 State Road 261, Newburgh, Ind. Funeral service is Saturday, August 8, 4:00 pm at First Christian Church of Newburgh, 4544 State Road 261, Newburgh, Ind.

Additionally, family will receive friends Wednesday, August 12, 3:00 – 9:00 pm at Rago Brothers Funeral Home, 7751 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, Ill. Funeral service is tentatively Thursday, August 13 at St. Luke Parish, 528 Lathrup Ave., River Forest, Ill.

— Updated to include information on funeral arrangments.