On the Dash:
- Paul Sansone Sr. grew a used-car lot into Sansone Auto Mall, a 65-acre, nine-franchise operation in Avenel, New Jersey.
- He advocated customer service, strong manufacturer relationships and disciplined dealership leadership.
- His 2024 CBT News appearance highlighted his industry insight and commitment to charitable giving.
Paul Julius Sansone Sr., Founder of Sansone Auto Mall and a longtime New Jersey Automotive Retail Leader, died at the age of 90 on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, after a courageous struggle with Parkinson’s disease.
Sansone built a six-decade career in automotive retail, beginning with Ford’s National Auto Mart, a modest used-car lot he opened 65 years ago. In 1967, he earned his first franchise dealership, General Toyota, and later developed Sansone Auto Mall, a 65-acre property in Avenel, New Jersey, that became home to nine franchises.
Through determination, integrity and a gift for building relationships, Sansone created a dealership group that served customers, employed generations of automotive professionals and became a cornerstone of its community. He divided his life between New Jersey and Florida and was deeply loved in both places.
Sansone also shared his perspective with the broader retail automotive community. In a 2024 appearance on CBT News’ Inside Automotive, he discussed charitable giving, dealership leadership and the future of the industry. He emphasized customer satisfaction, strong manufacturer relationships and operational discipline while reflecting on the changes shaping automotive retail. The interview also highlighted his $1 million donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and his support for veterans seeking job training and new opportunities.
Born April 26, 1936, in Plainfield, New Jersey, to Joseph Sansone and Lucille DeRosa, Sansone graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School before beginning his career as an entrepreneur.
Outside the dealership, Sansone enjoyed golf, tennis, cards and travel. Above all, he treasured time with his family, who were his greatest pride.
He was predeceased by his parents; 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.
All services will take place at Church of Nativity in Fair Haven, NJ:
- Thursday, October 15: Visitations, 1-4 PM and 6-8 PM
- Friday, October 16: Visitations, 4-7 PM
- Saturday, October 17: Funeral Mass, 10 AM; burial to follow
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Paul Sansone Sr.’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
