Bill Lia Sr Cause of Death – Passed Away: BROOKLYN – Bill Lia Sr., a philanthropist and the founder and owner of the Lia Auto Group, died suddenly. Lia passed away on Saturday at the age of 85. Bill Lia Jr., Lia’s son, confirmed his father’s death. The cause of death has not been made public as of the time of this publication.
A native of Brooklyn Bill Lia Sr., the Capital Region car dealership entrepreneur got his start in Manhattan’s Garment District working as coat-cutter clipping swatches of patterned fabrics. In 1977, he founded the Lia Auto Group, starting with a car lot in Delmar. It’s now a billion-dollar business with 22 locations run by his three sons, Michael, Vincent and Bill Jr.
Lia volunteered with the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in the Capital Region. He now owns and operates 22 car dealerships in the northeast. Here is a tweet from Pete DeMola “Capital Region car guru Bill Lia, Sr. initially knew little about cars, his son told me. But the NYC native was a hustler with a knack for business, giving him an opening to succeed. His death this weekend at 85 has left a hole in the region’s business and philanthropic circles”
Tributes are flooding in for the auto group patriarch and philanthropist on social media, honouring life’s work.
“The Capital Region has lost a true champion with the passing of Bill Lia, Sr. He truly embodied love of his family and the community. Bill grew his automotive empire to span several states after starting with a single lot…”
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Bill Lia Sr. this past Saturday. He will be remembered by many for his generosity to others, devotion to his family, friends, and employee’s alike, and work ethic that has led him to many years of success as founder of the Lia Auto Group!”
“Deepest Condolences to The Family and Friends on the passing of Bill Lia, Sr… A man whose philanthropy throughout the Capital Region speaks for itself”
Bill Lia Sr obituary and funeral arrangement will be released by the family.