Arrow Body and Fender Service

History

The year is 1946 and Big Joe Bellocchio is back from his service in the South Pacific with the U.S. Army. Spending his days working with his father at Bellocchio Salt and Trucking Service he sees the current trend and increase in the new novelty, a car for every family. He sees the need for competent quality repair facilities and begins his training at Utility Trade School. He is soon serving his apprenticeship alongside some of Chicago's finest skilled repair masters. Repairing the latest vehicles with lead, pick and file and straight enamel paints he excels in his craft.

In 1948 Big Joe strikes out on his own and opens Arrow Body and Fender Service on Maplewood and Fullerton in Chicago. The first few years are tough but dedicated to quality repairs and customer service the business soon takes off. Constantly looking to improve Big Joe becomes involved in some of the area's first trade organizations and educational facilities. Looking for greener pastures he finds the upcoming remote suburbs of Elmwood Park and in 1955 he and his wife Helen buy a bungalow to raise their growing family. The family assimilates well to the new town and are soon involved and recognized throughout the community.

Arrow Body and Fender Arrow Body does well and is outgrowing the Chicago location. In 1963 Big Joe spots the future home and current location of Arrow Body in Elmwood Park, an empty lot on Grand Avenue, across from the train station and next to the theater, close to home and his family. He buys that lot and opens the state of the art collision repair facility. Servicing all vehicles and specializing in collision repair and refinishing. With many long hours and dedication the business is a landmark for expert collision repair in the community and surrounding area.

Big Joe is joined by his wife Helen to run the office and a dedicated employee in the shop. The shop continues to improve, expand, and advance and soon the sons are serving their apprenticeship alongside their father. Working summers and after school the youngest son Joseph brings in the new technology to Arrow Body. Completing one of the area's first ICAR training courses, young son Joseph is almost ready for his current role at the family business. After attending Northern Illinois University and a period of employment as an insurance adjuster Joseph returns in 1985 to continue the family legacy.

Arrow Body and Fender Joseph is assisted by his brother in law Stephen Joncha in keeping a close eye on production and quality. Keeping his father's tradition of the "basic business root" of quality repairs and customer service the business continues to expand and excel. The business is still regarded as "the best shop around". Big Joe still comes in every day to make sure his business philosophy is fulfilled and our customers are highly satisfied.

Come in and see for yourself how our pride and expertise can make your collision repair experience pleasurable.

History

Contact Info