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How did Billy Fuccillo die? Fans mourn car dealer's death at 64: 'HUGE loss'

Billy Fuccillo was best known for his trademark advertisements on TV and radio, where he announced his deals were 'HUUUUUGE'

Legendary car salesman, Billy Fuccillo who was an auto dealer famous throughout the Capital Region for 'bigger than life' TV ads, passed away after a long illness. He died at his home in Florida after 'months of declining health.' He was 64 years old.

The Syracuse Auto Dealers Association announced on June 18, "It is with great sadness that we advise you of the passing of former member and friend, Billy Fuccillo." The legendary car salesman owned several dealerships in Upstate New York with his son, Billy Fuccillo Jr. The year 2021 has claimed a lot of lives so far. Author, Janet Malcolm, 'Dawson's Creek' writer Heidi Ferrer and journalist Dick Stolley, actress Lisa Banes are some of the names who bid farewell this year.

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Fuccillo was best known for his trademark advertisements on TV and radio, where he announced his deals were "HUUUUUGE." Fuccillo was a philanthropist and regular sponsor of sporting events, especially golf and was best known for appearing in TV and radio ads with his outsized frame and booming voice. Fuccillo bought his first wholesale car business in 1981 and his first new store in Adams, just south of Watertown, in 1989. He was born in Long Island to beautician parents. Fuccillo is survived by his son, and his wife Cindy. It is unclear at the moment if his son will continue to run the dealerships after his father's demise. Fuccillo Automotive Group, which is based in Syracuse, is the largest privately-owned dealership in the state and is located at various places across upstate New York and in Florida.

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said about Fuccillo, "He was bigger than life. When I was asked years ago to help fund the Syracuse Police Department memorial in downtown Syracuse, Billy was the first guy to help."

In a 2008 interview with Times Union's Paul Grondahl, Fuccillo said, "My mom tells me she mutes me when my commercials come on." He added that after graduation, he "didn't have a job, was broke and was going to be evicted from my apartment. The only job I could get was selling cars. I found out I was good at it." He further noted that the secret of his success was his work ethic. "I never stop. I have salespeople making $35,000 and a few making $200,000 a year. The most successful ones are with a customer or have a phone in their ear all day long, " he said.

'IT’S GONNA BE HUUUUUUUUGE'

Fans swarmed Twitter with messages for Fuccillo, remembering his trademark voice. One user commented, "This makes me sad. Got to see him on TV constantly as an upstate NYer. We will miss “IT’S GONNA BE HUUUUUUUUGE.” Another wrote, "RIP. This is a HUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGEEE bummer." One tweet read, "RIP Legend. May he live in our HUUUGE hearts." "RIP to a WNY icon, Billy Fuccillo. We’ll never get a “It’s HUUUUUUUUGAH”again." Another fan wrote, "I remember I had an asthma attack when I was a kid because I said "IT'S GONNA BE HUUUUUUUUUUUGE" too deeply!!!!! REST IN PEACE TO WESTERN NY ICON BILLY FUCCILLO. It's gonna be HUGGGGEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"RIP Billy Fucillo HUGE loss!" wrote another.