Mighty Auto Parts announced the sudden and unexpected passing of Dave Raphael, 53, the company’s Director of Marketing who died on Friday, September 5, of cardiac arrest. “Dave was a dedicated member of the Mighty team – thoroughly professional – a warm-hearted ambassador of good will,” according to Ken Voelker, President and CEO of Mighty.
With a well-earned reputation as a marketing specialist with the Ford Motor Company and Auto Trader, Dave joined Mighty in 2007. He managed the national franchisor’s advertising program and took a leadership role in successfully developing the company’s new car dealership market program. He was a published author in multiple trade magazines. “Of all David's life accomplishments,” says Voelker, “nothing seemed to give him more of a sense of fulfillment than his role as a husband and father.”
Born and raised in Skokie, Ill., Dave graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.A. in Finance and an M.B.A. from Loyola University of Chicago.
An avid sportsman, he was a ranked tennis amateur, winning numerous tournaments in the Atlanta area. He was also a runner for many years, participating in charity runs, and recently developed a passion for cycling. Surviving Dave are his wife of 27 years, Lynne Raphael, his son, Sam, and daughter, Michelle.
