Rent-to-own News - RTO vet and 'guy's guy' John Allevato dies

John Allevato with daughter Jenna (left) and son John on Father's Day.

Respected industry leader John Allevato, 48, died Wednesday night surrounded by friends and family at Lewisville Memorial Hospital in Lewisville, Texas, ending a two year battle with cancer.

Allevato, who most recently served as vice president of RIMCO, leaves behind a wife, Linda, 4 year-old daughter Jenna, 6 year-old son, John and 12 year-old daughter, Jordan. 

He began his rent to one career in the 80's and left the industry for a brief time before he was hired by then Magic RTO VP David Kraemer in 1990 as a handyman/mechanic.

Allevato soon became manager of a Dallas Magic RTO store and was promoted to district manager at the company within a short period of time. Allevato stayed on at Magic after it became Renter Choice but left soon after to pursue an opportunity at Aaron's in 1998.

In his 12 years with the company, he has held many positions such as special projects manager, district manager, director of western franchise operations and eventually, vice president of the RIMCO Division. 

A racing enthusiast, Allevato loved cars and even raced an Aarons car in dirt track events, Kraemer said.

"John has developed and helped countless people in our industry, his impact will continue to be felt for years to come," Kraemer said. "John was a gifted leader that made others want to follow him. I’m sure I don’t know anyone who could have fought more courageously and with such a positive attitude. Even when facing his own mortality John was so sensitive to not allow others to worry over him. His family, friends and our industry have lost a man of character, charisma and talent."

Todd Evans, Aaron's vice president of franchising, worked closely with Allevato at Aaron's.

"John was one of Aaron’s first Divisional Customer Accounts Managers for Aaron’s in the Dallas area.  He earned his stripes on the non-renewal side of the business," Evans said. "He helped mold and shape the Aaron’s renewal program. John also enjoyed spending time with his dad, just hanging out or fishing or working on his race car John was really a 'guy’s guy' and we are going to miss him."

Read stories from friends and acquaintances whose lives were touched by Allevato here:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/johnallevato/guestbook
 
Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Viewing Sunday June 27th @ 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
 
Flower Mound Family Funeral Home
3550 Firewheel Drive,
Flower Mound, TX 75028
972/691-2802‎
 
Services Monday June 28th @ 10:00 am
 
St. Ann Catholic Church
180 Samuel Boulevard
Coppell, TX 75019-3025
972/393-5544