After four decades at same site, brothers’ business takes flight

The Steffanellis move rental car business to Princeton Airport.

By: Kara Fitzpatrick
   MONTGOMERY — For 40 years, the Stefanelli brothers were rooted in a location that was remarkably stable. Now, they find themselves planted in a place where up, up and away is the cardinal function.
   With the sale of their property on Route 206 and Leigh Avenue in Princeton Township, Carmen and Tony Stefanelli have dissolved Stefanelli’s Automotive — a business that had been in their family for more than 50 years.
   But the brothers have continued one aspect of the business they entered decades ago — the Avis car-rental service — and have moved it to Princeton Airport.
   The two brothers joined the family venture full time during the 1960s and, in 1971, began the rental service.
   "They made us an offer we couldn’t refuse," said Tony Stefanelli of the decision to move from their old location. But, he admits, it was a departure tinged with sadness.
   "It’s somewhat of an emotional drag," he said. "Carmen and I practically grew up in that business."
   Nestled behind a maze of runways and hangars, the Stefanellis are now adjusting to a new home they have called their own for about two weeks. The office, undergoing some improvements, is "a work in progress," said Tony Stefanelli.
   For a half-century, the lifelong Princeton residents have had plenty of time to acquaint themselves with their customers — and the people living nearby.
   "We got to know all of the neighbors and got along with them pretty well," said Tony Stefanelli. Now, joked his brother, "We have no neighbors here — they’re all flying airplanes."
   But the brothers expect business will be steady. After all, some of their clients have been counting on them for temporary transportation for more than 30 years. And more than likely, they might attract some new customers.
   "This is a busy little airport," said Carmen Stefanelli.
   Those customers who relied on the pair for oil changes and brake jobs, however, will have to adjust to not having the brothers to rely on.
   Although the current workload is lighter with the absence of Stefanelli’s Automotive, the brothers say they have "mixed emotions" about the breakup of the garage — admitting that, most of all, they miss the contact with their loyal clients.
   "Our customer base was more of a friendship than a customer," said Carmen Stefanelli.
   "Dad took care of them, then we took care of their children … then we started taking care of their grandchildren," recalled his brother.
   But don’t expect the brothers to forget those faces they served through the decades. Cards, with heartfelt notes expressing both appreciation and sadness, from their former customers who counted on the garage for years line their desks in the new office.
   "We had various people write us letters (when we closed)," said Tony Stefanelli.
   "It was nice to grow old there, but we wanted to leave before we got too old," he said.