Obituaries

In Memoriam: Longtime Area Car Dealership Owner, Paul J. Sansone Sr., 90


Longtime area resident and nine-franchise car dealership owner Paul J. Sansone Sr., most recently of Holmdel, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 11, after a courageous struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 90.

Paul divided his life between New Jersey and Florida, and was loved deeply in both.

Paul was born on April 26, 1936, in Plainfield, New Jersey, to Joseph Sansone and Lucille DeRosa.

“He graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School and soon set out to build something of his own. Sixty-five years ago, Paul opened Fords National Auto Mart on a modest used car lot.  In 1967 he earned his first franchise dealership, General Toyota, which grew into the Sansone Auto Mall, a 65-acre property in Avenel New Jersey, home to nine franchises. Through hard work, vision, and a genuine gift for people, he built a business that became a cornerstone of the community and his story was a true example of what determination and integrity can build.

“Outside of work, Paul loved life to the fullest. He was an avid golfer and tennis player, enjoyed a good game of cards, and loved to travel. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, who were his greatest pride.”

Loved ones of Paul J. Sansone Sr. in his obituary

Paul was predeceased by: his parents, Joseph Sansone and Lucille DeRosa; his son, Joseph; his grandson, DJ; and his siblings, Robert and Joan.

He is survived by: his children, Dominic Sansone (Gay), Paul Sansone Jr. (Christine), Dean Sansone (Robyn), Gia Lucas, Nicole Del Tin (Mark), and Jeffrey Sansone (Sophia); his daughter-in-law, Kathy; his sister, Carol; 17 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in remembrance of Paul Sansone, Sr. to either of the following charities: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home