In Memoriam: Matthew W. Mitchell III

by Alana Quartuccio

The Garden State automotive community mourns the loss of Matthew W. Mitchell III, a longtime distributor who worked for Muller Brothers in Paterson and later Kemperle, Inc. for decades. He passed away on April 17 at the age of 84.

“Matty was a true industry guy,” recalls retired shop owner and former AASP/NJ President Eddie Day. “He was a complete supporter of the auto body industry.”

Day will be forever grateful to Mitchell for his trust and support in him during his early days of starting his shop. “Muller Brothers was the first to give me credit. Matty was the first one to trust me. Having an account was a big deal when one opens a shop. He understood the struggle of a new owner. He was an industry friend for 50 years and one of the finest people I ever met.”

“Matty was awesome,” Arthur Poltarak (Premiere Classic Cars; Parsippany) remembers. “He always showed up when you needed him. He was knowledgeable and helpful.”

Warren Struz (Midland Park Auto Body) knew Mitchell for the better part of 50 years and remembers Mitchell for being a good person, a good family man and an industry icon.  “If you had a question, you called Matty. If he didn’t have the answer – and he usually did – he would get it for you. He always made himself available to the shops. Yes, he was a salesman but when he came into the shop, he was a friend.”

Mitchell was a longtime resident of Midland Park. He was predeceased by his wife, Colette, of 53 years and his brothers John and Mark. He was the eldest of six children and is survived by his siblings Luke, Terese and Peter. He is also survived by his children Robert Mitchell (Gail), Eileen Mitchell, John Mitchell and Alice Celello (Michael) and grandchildren Kevin, Katie, Nicolette and Mitchell.

Want more? Check out the June 2026 issue of New Jersey Automotive!