Billy Fuccillo, the larger-than-life car dealership owner based in New York that was widely known for his commercials, died on Thursday in Sarasota, Florida. He was 65.

Made famous for his use of the term "huge" in over-the-top car commercials, Fuccillo was remembered by those who loved and knew him best for his lesser known philanthropic side.

Fuccillo built a nationwide automobile empire slowly and with a lot of hard work. He served as president and CEO of the Fuccillo Automotive Group, the largest privately held automobile retailer in the state and biggest Kia dealer in the world.

The franchise began in Adams, near Watertown. His passing sent aftershocks that echoed in New York, where he made a huge impact. The local community is learning more about his quiet demeanor out of the public eye and his secret generosity.

Born in Greenport, Fuccillo 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 to 1978, according to his obituary published on Friday.  

For decades, Fuccillo would start his workday near one of his Syracuse dealerships at Tony’s Family Restaurant. Tony Albanese, Fuccillo's friend and the owner of Tony's, remembers Fuccillo's routine.

"He would get here about the same time I would," Albanese said. "Seven in the morning. We would sit down and talk a lot. He met a lot of his people here. His advertising people here in the morning too."

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick credits Fuccillo for being the first to give generously to the Syracuse Police Memorial for Fallen Officers, created in Forman Park in 2002. He recalled Fuccillo as an incredibly warm, funny and generous man.

"He did so many things behind the scenes for people and never sought accolades. I will miss him dearly,” Fitzpatrick said.

Several charities benefited from the private philanthropist, incuding the Sisters of St. Francis Assumption Food Pantry and the Ronald McDonald House.

“Billy Fuccillo was so generous. He did so much for this community. He is going to be missed," siad Mike Romano, board member of the Syracuse Auto Dealers Association.

His generosity affected the community in large and small ways.

“He was a fantastic guy," Albanese said. "One day, I’m sitting here and in comes two guys and they’re wheeling in a TV he sent me just to be a friendship reward. He was just a real generous guy.”

“He’s going to be missed in this community," Albanese continued. "Me and my brother were very good friends with him and we’re going to miss him dearly.”

A wake will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 24 in the Thomas J. Pirro Junior Funeral Home in Liverpool, and a funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. June 25 in Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Syracuse.