Springfield repair shop closing after over 50 years in business

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – After more than half a century in business, one Springfield resident is closing a chapter in his life.

Starting back in 1966, the then-18-year-old Felix Decesare made his way from Italy all the way to Springfield. Two years later, he got his start working part-time at a gas station, which then led to his own place. “So in 1972, I opened up Felix’s Artco up on 900 Allen Street, right next to Eddie’s Market,” said Decesare, owner of Felix’s Auto Repair.

A quick change in locations to Sumner Avenue led to where Felix’s Auto Repair has been for the last 52 years. Decesare told Western Mass News what it was like working with the Springfield community for so long. “I had a lot of work, but lots of fun in my work. I have met so many beautiful customers,” he explained.

Some of those customers came in with entire generations of families and employees staying with him for 20-plus years. “Everyone has been with me for my duration. I hire them when they were kids and they’re still with me now,” Decesare added.

Entering this new chapter of his life, he told us that the first thing he is looking forward to in retirement. “I’m waiting for the first snowstorm that I get up in the morning. I look outside, instead of running, to work to clean. I can just do my own thing, make breakfast, and go take a nap,” Decesare said.

Felix’s Auto Repair will close it’s doors for good on Friday December 20.

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