COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 25, 2024 – Phil Long Dealerships sadly announces the passing of Gerald “Jay” Cimino, Chairman of Phil Long Dealerships Board of Trustees and recently retired President and CEO of Phil Long Dealerships. Cimino, 87, peacefully departed on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 24, at his home in Colorado Springs, CO, surrounded by his family.
A prominent figure in Colorado, Cimino was a trailblazer in the automotive industry, earning numerous manufacturer and industry accolades for his dealerships’ sales and outstanding service. Joining founder Mr. Phil Long in 1975 as a partner and general manager of a single Ford dealership in Colorado Springs, Cimino’s leadership played a pivotal role in transforming Phil Long Dealerships into the largest privately held automotive group in Colorado today.
In addition to his business prowess and entrepreneurial drive, Cimino was renowned for his philanthropic endeavors and community service. Among his most notable achievements were the establishment of the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center and Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center, as well as the Phil Long Community Fund, which, in collaboration with Denver Broncos Charities, erected 12 fantasy playgrounds, two skate parks and one football field across the state and allocated millions to organizations championing youth excellence in education and sports across the Front Range. A comprehensive biography of Cimino can be found here.
Cimino recently retired as President and CEO of Phil Long Dealerships after 49 years of service with the organization. In a letter addressed to the staff, he acknowledged the collective efforts of past and present employees and partners in positively impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals through the Phil Long automotive group, the non-profits he founded, and various economic development initiatives in his hometown of Trinidad, CO.
“It is with great pride that I retire as President and CEO. While not an easy decision, it is one made with utmost confidence. I have never been more assured of our business strategy, leadership team, and employees,” said Cimino in his letter. “I am particularly thrilled by the news of Phil Long Champion Ambassador Randy Gradishar’s election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 as we celebrate 79 years of serving Colorado. The realization of our organization’s mission to become a 100-year-old force for good is within reach.”
Kevin Shaughnessy, Executive Vice President/Partner and co-owner of the automotive group, has taken on the role of President and CEO of Phil Long Dealerships. “He possesses a profound understanding of the company and its requirements and his leadership has been instrumental in our growth over the past 18 years,” Cimino remarked in his retirement letter. “Kevin leads with heart and soul, and my faith in him as our next CEO is unwavering.”
His daughter and Partner, Gina Cimino, will continue serving as president of Mt. Carmel of Colorado and Kip Hampden Properties, a role she has held for 15 years. “Her dedication to enhancing our community echoes the legacy our founder first initiated, and I am enormously proud that she will elevate our philanthropic and non-profit impact to new heights,” Cimino expressed in his retirement letter. He also went on to acknowledge the critical roles that other family members and employees provided to him as well as to the Enterprise.
“To my son Vince Cimino, Partner/General Manager of Audi Colorado Springs, daughter Laurie Cimino, Phil Long Dealerships Vice President of Business Development, and to my family members, I have immense love and gratitude for the support you have provided to me and the Phil Long Enterprise.”
“The entire Phil Long Enterprise family mourns this loss. On behalf of our Board of Directors, management team and employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to Jay’s family,” said Shaughnessy. “Jay was a larger-than-life figure who brought his remarkable passion, experience and vision in growing Phil Long Dealerships to be among the most respected and recognized brands in the automotive industry.”
A celebration of life ceremony for the community to attend will be organized in the coming week.
Our condolence for the passing of your father, he was one Special man. Many he rest in Peace. he will be missed by all of us and our Community