Delta’s founder, Edward Pontarelli Sr., has been in the auto body business his entire life. He learned every facet of the business beginning at just 15 years old while working in some of Providence’s busiest collision centers. His expertise and experience runs so deep that Ed was named the very first Certified Collision Analyst in the State of Rhode Island.

In 1977, he founded Delta Auto Body at its original location in Johnston, RI. The shop was an immediate success as thousands of customers learned to trust Ed’s impeccable repair work and attention to detail. In 2011, Ed moved Delta Auto Body to its current location in Providence, adjacent to the Providence Place Mall and minutes from downtown. The new location offered more space and room for modern equipment continuing Ed’s determination to always improve and keep up with the times and technology.

His philosophy, which now runs through every employee of Delta Auto Body, is to put the customer first and never settle for less than a show room worthy repair. To that end, Delta Auto Body is not on any of the insurance company preferred lists, because Ed refuses to take on additional business if it means sacrificing quality. Instead, he writes every estimate personally and works with the insurance companies (aggressively at times) to ensure that the repair meets all manufacturer specifications and results in a car ready for the show room. Every single car over four decades, from small commuter cars to high end performance and luxury vehicles, has been treated with this same regard.

Ed’s larger than life personality remains a mainstay at Delta Auto Body even as he prepares to hand the shop to his son, the next generation. To this day, he continues to personally write every line of every estimate and negotiate with insurance companies where needed. It is a process he refuses to give up and one that ensures customer satisfaction.