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Western New York mourns popular auto dealer, TV commercial star and philanthropist Billy Fuccillo

Mon, Jun 28th 2021 02:05 pm

William Bruce “Billy” Fuccillo Sr., age 65, passed away peacefully at home in Sarasota, Florida, on June 17, 2021.

Billy was born in Greenport, New York, and graduated from Greenport High School as the only All-American football player to come out of Greenport High. He went on to graduate from Syracuse University, where he played tight end from 1974-78.

He was the president and CEO of the Fuccillo Automotive Group, the largest privately held automotive retailer in New York state and the largest Kia dealer in the world. His many accolades include selling 2,020 vehicles in one month at Fuccillo Hyundai of Syracuse and 500 vehicles in one day at the Fuccillo AutoMall. Billy holds the record for both Hyundais and Kias sold in one month.

He was very charitable and contributed to many different organizations over the years, including domestic violence organizations, the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Salvation Army, Assumption Food Pantry, and the Center for Disability Services, along with countless other causes.

Billy enjoyed golfing, good food and wine, watching all sports – especially football – and was a thoroughbred owner.

Billy is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia (Karaffa) Fuccillo, of Skaneateles; his son, William Bruce Fuccillo Jr., of Miami Beach, Florida; his parents, Vito and Joan (Bollman) Fuccillo; a sister, Joanie Fuccillo, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a brother, Gary Fuccillo, also of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; nieces, Patricia Pietsch and Catherine Elizabeth Fuccillo; and his beloved pet, Rudy.

A funeral Mass in celebration of Billy’s life was conducted Friday, June 25, at Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church, 301 Ash St., Syracuse. Private entombment is in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Billy’s name may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, 960 James St., Syracuse, NY 13203; Assumption Food Pantry, attn.: Mission Advancement Office, Assumption Church, 812 North Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13208; or to The Ronald McDonald House, 1100 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13210.

Funeral arrangements are by Thomas J. Pirro Jr. Funeral Home, North Syracuse. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, visit the Sympathy Store at https://www.tipfuneralhome.com/store/.

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