Gerald D Cimino

He was born April 20, 1936, in Trinidad, Colorado to parents, Vincent and Elvira Cimino. Jay was one of five children. He is preceded in death by sister Mary Ann Johnson and survived by siblings Arnie Cimino, Agnes Patrick, and Sylvia Passarelli.

After graduating from Holy Trinity Parochial School in 1954, Jay enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Post military service, Jay attended Trinidad State Junior College followed by the University of Denver. He graduated on the Dean’s List in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Soon after graduating, Jay married Emily Roitz at Holy Trinity Church in Trinidad.

Jay was preceded in death by his best friend and beloved wife of 56-years, Emily. He is survived by their four children, Gina, Vince, Mike, and Laurie. Nine grandchildren: Hillary Keckeisen, Angie and Alexandra Stefanec; Nick, Michaela, Olivia, and Mikenna Cimino; Emily Weiss and Michael Yoswa. And three great-grandchildren: Jay and Henry Keckeisen, and Apollo Cimino. Among many loved ones, special to Jay were his dear friends Cy Michaels and Chuck Murphy.

Jay served in various positions in Chevrolet and Ford dealerships in Pueblo and Santa Fe. In 1975 Jay became a partner with Mr. Phil Long and served as the General Manager for the Phil Long Ford dealership in Colorado Springs. Jay’s vision, leadership, and champion spirit were the driving force behind what is now the Phil Long Enterprise that encompasses dealerships in Colorado Springs, Denver, Glenwood Springs, Raton, and Trinidad.

Following his prestigious 49-year career with Phil Long, Jay retired from his position as President and CEO on February 20, 2024. Some of his career accolades include being awarded the 2012 Colorado Auto Dealer of the Year and his recent inductions into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame, CADA Automotive Hall of Fame, and Ford Motor Company Hall of Fame.

Jay had a passion for giving back to the community and the philanthropic arm of the Phil Long Enterprise has a long history. In partnership with Denver Broncos Charities and others, Jay played a huge role in the build-out of the Marion House, 12 fantasy playgrounds, two skate parks, a football field, and millions of dollars invested in organizations that championed youth education and sports throughout Colorado.

Determined to help the now underserved town he grew up in, he founded the Trinidad Community Foundation. Jay then purchased Mount Carmel, the church his family attended in his youth and the nearby music hall. He remodeled and connected the two buildings to establish the non-profit, Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center, which he then gifted to the community. This campus has provided much needed community, health, and dental services to the residents of Las Animas County.

To help his hometown of Trinidad’s economy with more employment and tourism opportunities, Jay invested heavily with two car dealerships, the Champions Building, Sister Blandina Wellness Gardens, Club 14 Grill and Pub, Marketplace Food Court, and the new Hilton Garden Inn, as well as other historical renovation projects. He considered his hometown to be the home of Champions.

Following on the success of the Mt. Carmel campus in Trinidad, Jay then focused his attention to where his support was needed in Colorado Springs. He historically supported veteran projects but realized there was a greater need for direct services for military, veterans, and their families. Thus, in 2016, he founded the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, which now has offices in Pueblo, Fountain, and Trinidad.

Jay’s generosity and care for his fellow man has helped thousands of people throughout Colorado. Some of the acknowledgements for his philanthropic endeavors include the El Pomar Foundation’s Gov. John A. Love Award, Citizen Meritorious Service Award, Columbine Individual Citation Award, the Jesuits of Regis University’s C/VIS PRINCEPS, Ft. Carson’s Good Neighbor Award, and the American Red Cross’ Humanitarian of the Year, plus many more.

He will be greatly missed by his loving family, numerous friends, and over 1300 Enterprise team members.

A funeral mass service is scheduled for 10am on Friday, March 1st at St. Paul Catholic Church, 9 El Pomar Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Live-streaming of the mass will be available at https://stpaulcos.org/livestream. Due to a large anticipated attendance, seating may be limited.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in Colorado Springs immediately following the mass service at The Broadmoor West, Rocky Mountain Ballroom from 12pm – 2pm. A private Celebration of Life ceremony will take place in Jay’s hometown of Trinidad, CO.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the nonprofits Jay founded Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center in Trinidad, CO and Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs.