“Lee always pushed and fought to make things better,” adds AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant. “I had a long relationship with him, and he was a great guy. If he didn’t like something, he’d tell you in a minute! Lee will certainly be remembered as an industry icon for his many hard-fought battles and what he accomplished to make the industry what it is today. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.”
Vetland was born in Rahway, NJ and resided in Avenel and Colonia his entire life. Away from the auto body industry, he was an avid golfer and always up for a good game of cards. He also enjoyed trips to Florida, watching NASCAR and tailgating at Giants games.
He was predeceased by his parents, Art and Ginny Vetland. Surviving are his daughter and best friend, Katie Vetland, her husband, Alejandro Picado, and her mother, Maria Harriette Vetland; his sister, Joann Vetland, and her wife, Carol DiStefano; his devoted partner, Linda Scapicchio; and many wonderful friends he thought of as family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lee Vetland Memorial Fund, 1100 Saint Georges Ave., Avenel, NJ 07001.