13 May Fleet Response Honors the Life and Legacy of Ray Breault

Raymond “Ray” Breault

Fleet Response mourns the loss of Raymond “Ray” Breault, a respected fleet industry leader, longtime NAFA advocate, and valued member of the Fleet Response team, who passed away on May 1, 2026, at the age of 95.

Ray’s impact on the fleet industry spanned nearly six decades. Throughout his remarkable career, he helped shape modern fleet management while earning the admiration of colleagues, customers, and industry peers nationwide.

Ray began his fleet career in 1959 with Hoffmann-La Roche in New Jersey. During his tenure, he grew the company’s fleet operation from fewer than 200 vehicles to nearly 3,000, helping establish standards and best practices during the early years of corporate fleet management. At a time when vehicle records were managed manually and fleet operations were still developing, Ray recognized the growing importance of strategic fleet oversight and operational efficiency long before the industry fully evolved.

His leadership extended far beyond his own organization. Ray joined NAFA Fleet Management Association in 1959 and dedicated more than 45 years of service to the association and the fleet profession. Over the course of his involvement, he served in nearly every chapter leadership role across several eastern region chapters and held numerous national leadership positions, including serving as NAFA President from 1977 to 1979.

In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Ray received the NAFA Outstanding Chapter Service Award and was inducted into the Automotive Fleet Hall of Fame in 2008. His commitment to advancing the profession and mentoring others made him one of the industry’s most respected and recognizable figures.

In 1991, Ray joined Rental Concepts, now Fleet Response, as Northeast Regional Sales Manager. He played an important role during a period of growth and transformation for the company, helping strengthen relationships across the fleet community while supporting customers with the insight and experience he had built throughout his career.

Ray pictured with Fleet Response founder, Ron Mawaka.

Although Ray officially retired in 1996, his passion for the industry and the people within it brought him back to Fleet Response shortly afterward in a part-time customer service role. He remained actively involved with clients and industry peers for many years, continuing to share his knowledge, guidance, and enthusiasm for fleet management.

Those who knew Ray understood that his greatest strength was his ability to build relationships. He approached every interaction with professionalism, sincerity, and genuine care for others. Whether working with customers, mentoring younger professionals, or collaborating with industry peers, Ray represented the values of integrity, service, and leadership that continue to define the fleet community today.

Ray often said, “Fleet gets in your blood,” a sentiment he demonstrated throughout his entire life and career.

Fleet Response is honored to have been part of Ray’s journey and grateful for the lasting impact he made on our company, our customers, and the fleet industry as a whole. His legacy will continue through the countless individuals and organizations he influenced over the years.

We extend our deepest condolences to Ray’s wife Kathleen, his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

To read Ray’s obituary, click here.