Billy Fuccillo built one of the largest car dealership empires in New York and Florida before his death in 2021. His wife, Cindy Fuccillo, stayed almost entirely out of the spotlight throughout his career.
This article covers what is known about Cindy, Billy’s death, and who runs the family business today.
Who is Billy Fuccillo?
Billy Fuccillo was an American car dealer known for his loud television commercials and the catchphrase “It’s gonna be HUUUUUUGE.” He built the Fuccillo Automotive Group into one of the largest privately owned dealership networks in New York State.
At its peak, the company operated 28 dealerships across New York and Florida. It represented around 15 vehicle brands and employed more than 1,400 people.
Fuccillo also became the largest Kia dealer in the world. He earned national recognition, including a Best New Dealer award in 2011 and a U.S. dealer of the year honor for retail sales volume.
Behind that success stood his wife, Cindy Fuccillo. She largely avoided public attention even as her husband became a household name across Upstate New York.
Who is Billy Fuccillo Wife?
Cindy Fuccillo was born Cynthia Karaffa in Skaneateles, New York. She later took the Fuccillo name after marrying Billy.
Cindy has kept nearly all personal details private throughout her life. Her exact age has never been publicly confirmed.
The couple is believed to have been together since the 1980s. That timeline lines up with the birth of their only child, Billy Fuccillo Jr.
Cindy and Billy lived for years between Skaneateles, New York, and Sarasota, Florida. They eventually settled in Florida during Billy’s later years.
She also took part in charitable work alongside her husband. The couple supported organizations including the Harry Chapin Food Bank, the Assumption Food Pantry, and the Center for Disability Services.
How did Billy Fuccillo die, and what was his Cause of Death?
Billy Fuccillo died on June 17, 2021, at his home in Sarasota, Florida. His death followed months of declining health.
The Syracuse Auto Dealers Association announced his passing the following morning. Colleagues across the auto industry quickly shared tributes, describing him as a marketing pioneer.
His funeral mass was held at Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter’s Church in Syracuse. Calling hours took place at Thomas J. Pirro Funeral Home in North Syracuse before the service.
What was the age of Billy Fuccillo at the time of his death?
Billy Fuccillo was born on January 9, 1956, in Greenport, Suffolk County, New York. That made him 65 years old at the time of his death in June 2021.
He grew up on Long Island before attending Syracuse University on a football scholarship. Fuccillo graduated in 1978 with a degree in marketing.
His estimated net worth was $100 million at the time of his death. That fortune came almost entirely from the Fuccillo Automotive Group.
Who owns the Fuccillo dealerships after the death of Billy?
Billy Fuccillo Jr. took over as president of the Fuccillo Automotive Group in April 2013, years before his father’s passing. He continued leading the company after Billy Sr.’s death in 2021.
Since then, the company has sold off parts of its dealership network. Ten dealerships went to Wally Auto Group, led by Wally Darwish.
Two additional dealerships were sold to Matthews Auto Group, based in Broome County. In October 2022, Maguire Auto Group purchased three more Fuccillo dealerships in Grand Island.
Billy Jr. also built his own separate dealership portfolio. He owns five additional dealerships, three in New York and two in Florida.
Interesting Facts about Billy Fuccillo
Billy Fuccillo bought his first wholesale auto business in 1981. He opened his first franchise dealership eight years later, in 1989, in Adams, New York.
His trademark phrase “It’s HUGE” reportedly started as an ad-lib during a live sales event. The line became so popular that it turned into the centerpiece of nearly every commercial that followed.
In 1996, Fuccillo sold 523 cars in a single day at his Adams dealership. That same year, he brought in daredevil Robbie Knievel to jump a motorcycle over 19 cars as a promotional stunt.
He later hosted a Styx concert on his Cape Coral, Florida lot in 2012, drawing thousands of fans and selling dozens of vehicles. Fuccillo attended Syracuse University on a football scholarship, playing tight end before graduating in 1978.
He was also active in Kia sales leadership, earning the brand’s President’s Club recognition multiple times starting in 2009.
Bottom Line
Billy Fuccillo turned a single dealership into a 28-location empire across New York and Florida. His marketing stunts and catchphrase made him a recognizable figure well beyond the car business.
Cindy Fuccillo supported his rise from behind the scenes for decades while keeping her own life private. She continues to stay out of the public eye following his death in 2021.
Billy Fuccillo Jr. now leads the family business alongside his own dealership ventures. We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!