Federated Auto Parts reports longtime Federated member Russell Mastroff, owner/CEO of Cold Air Distributors in Fort Pierce, Fla., died suddenly on Dec. 22 of natural causes. He was 54.
“Russell was not only a friend, but a valued member of the Federated family,” said Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. “Like his dad Marvin, Russell served on the Federated executive committee and hosted our 2015 meeting in the Miami area, proudly showing the committee his impressive warehouse location in Fort Pierce. In many meetings and conversations, Russell stressed how much Federated meant to him. He was proud to be a Federated member and he valued the relationships he built with all of the members. Russell will surely be missed by all of the Federated family and the automotive aftermarket.”
Cold Air Distributors, led by Russell and his father before him, is the most honored Federated member, receiving awards for marketing excellence, Federated Car Care participation and Co-Man member of the year. As the only father and son recipients of the prestigious Art Fisher Memorial Award, named for the late founder of Federated, Marvin and Russell were recognized for their outstanding efforts to carry on Art Fisher’s legacy through their dedication to the success of the membership, the group and the industry.
Born on April 10, 1964, Mastroff grew up in Miami and graduated from Killian High School before attending college in Alabama. After college, he returned to work with his father at Cold Air Distributors where he would eventually lead the company, continuing to grow the operation to where it is today. Cold Air now has 19 warehouses all across the state and a reputation that extends around the world.
Mastroff is survived by his wife Dee; their daughter Raechel Mastroff; mother, Elinor Mastroff; sister, Laura Barry (Frank); niece and nephew, Alli and Joey Barry; uncle, Donald Matlin; and in-laws, Eva and Ed Stokes.
Donations in memory of Mastroff can be made to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program (www.federatedautoparts.com/Russell), one of his favorite charitable causes, and will be used for the Toys for Tots program in the greater Fort Pierce, Fla., area.
