Former NADA chairman and Charitable Foundation chair Bob Mallon dies

Former NADA chairman and Charitable Foundation chair Bob Mallon dies

Robert P. Mallon, former chairman of NADA and chairman emeritus of the NADAês Charitable Foundation, has died at 83. Native of Takoma, Washington, he took over Mallon Ford from his father which he operated until he sold in 2001. Mallon was NADA Director for Washington State for 30 years.

–Bobês passion and dedication to the automobile business was unwavering through his decades-long service to advancing dealers and the goodwill that they do every day in their businesses,” said 2017 NADA Chairman Mark Scarpelli.

Mallon established the NADA Charitable Foundation in 1975 and served as its first chairman. He was the driving force behind the creation of the NADA programs that have donated millions of dollars in charitable grants to individuals and organizations across the country.

With guidance from the NADA Foundationês board of trustees, Mallon established numerous charitable programs, including:

The Ambassadors Program: Established in 1994, individual dealer Ambassadors collectively donate more than $250,000 in grants each year to organizations in their communities.

Emergency Relief Fund: More than $6 million has been distributed to 9,200 dealership employees across the country since 1992.

Frank E. McCarthy Memorial Fund: More than $250,000 in grants has been donated to Canine Companions for Independence, which provides trained service dogs to wounded veterans and children with disabilities.

Medical Grants: Through the support of dealer groups across the country, more than 4,800 CPR training units have been donated to local organizations.

Memorial Funds: Since 1985, nearly $600,000 in college scholarships has been awarded to students through the Joseph J. Sanchez and John P. Winston memorial funds.

Survivors Relief Fund: More than $780,000 in scholarships has been provided to 139 children of victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Mallon also established the NADA Foundationês International Freedom of Mobility Award in 1977. The award was presented each year to recognize an individual who preserved, protected and promoted personal freedom of mobility. The program ended in 2001.

Bob Mallon was a lifelong Rotarian and leader in Rotary International. He was also a good friend to WANADA dealer leaders and senior staff over the years. To his family and many friends, WANADA extends its sincere condolences.