BERNARDSTON — Acilio Remo “A.R.” Sandri worked as a chief clerk at Pan-Am Oil, eventually leasing the company’s Main Street gas station in 1931. He continually grew his business and converted his station to Sun Oil Company outlets before acquiring all of Sunoco’s real estate holdings in Vermont and western New Hampshire in 1976.

“It was a major deal back then. In fact, that’s when they acquired me,” Michael V. Behn, president of The Sandri Companies, told the Greenfield Recorder in 2021. “I was working for Sunoco at the time and came over, and it was probably the best move of my life. So we then became the largest Sunoco distributor in the United States.”

That move started a nearly half-century career that ended on Sept. 14, when Behn died following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 76.

“Mike did so much for so many employees and beyond. He was the pillar of this company, that is 100% accurate,” said CEO and Chair Timothy Van Epps, the husband of A.R. Sandri’s granddaughter. “And he’s going to be missed dearly, already is. I swear to you, I hear his voice.”

Behn is survived by his wife, Carol Anne Behn, and his son, Brian, as well as a daughter-in-law and granddaughter. He also served for 12 years as president of the Sunoco Distributors Council and was a supporter of charitable initiatives across the region.

“I hope [people] remember him as … hardworking, easy to talk to, friendly, loyal, dedicated to Sandri, for sure,” said Brian Behn, who lives with his family in Colorado.

The younger Behn said his father took great pride in his job and was still trying to work in the final week of his life.

Sandri expanded into the residential heating oil, commercial fuel and farm gasoline markets several decades ago, and now employs roughly 500 people and maintains about 65 gas stations. The company has acquired other local businesses over the years, such as Tognarelli Heating & Cooling in 2017 and Facey Plumbing and Heating in 2018.

During his nearly half-century career, Michael Behn quickly rose through Sandri’s ranks, starting in the sales department before advancing to chief operating officer, and ultimately serving as president and COO.

“Make no mistake, Mike Behn ran the company — full stop,” Van Epps said.

According to his obituary, Behn earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Sacred Heart University, where he was a member of the inaugural graduating class. He and his wife loved spending time at their New Hampshire cabin, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming and birdwatching. He was also an avid gardener.

Calling hours will be held at Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal St. in Greenfield, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday. A celebration of life is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday at Zeke’s Bar & Grill at the Crumpin-Fox Club, 87 Parmenter Road in Bernardston.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter, 10 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls, MA 01376; or The Turtle Conservancy, P.O. Box 1289, Ojai, CA 93024.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or
413-930-4120.