[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 37 (Thursday, February 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF GERALD ``JAY'' CIMINO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 29, 2024

  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the God-honoring life 
and generous impact of a Pikes Peak community stalwart--Gerald ``Jay'' 
Cimino, who died of natural causes on February 24, 2024, at the age of 
87. Jay truly was a pillar of the Pike's Peak region, both as a well-
known business innovator in the automobile industry as well as a 
beloved and visionary community builder. Jay's leadership of the Phil 
Long dealerships impacted the automobile industry across the state of 
Colorado and his love for others led to the creation of numerous 
veteran-focused groups such as Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.
  Born in Trinidad, Colorado, Jay joined the Marine Corps out of high 
school. Following his service to our Nation, he moved back to Trinidad 
and attended Trinidad State Jr College and finished his bachelor's 
degree in business administration at the University of Denver in 1960. 
Wasting no time after graduation, Jay married his wife, Emily, and they 
took an active role in their community. Jay became General Manager of 
Phil Long Ford in 1975 and rose up the ranks to President and CEO of 
the Phil Long Family of Dealerships. Throughout his time in the 
automobile industry, Jay lived out the exemplary values of community 
and customer service as no one had done before him. This emphasis on 
community service was the basis for how Jay used his time to make and 
do better for everyone around him.
  Jay invested in the economic growth of his hometown of Trinidad as 
well as his adopted home of Colorado Springs throughout his time at 
Phil Long Ford. Whether it was bringing automobile dealerships to new 
communities, creating academic scholarships, or helping build 
community-focused buildings, Jay took great pride in providing new 
opportunities and services for others.
  Perhaps Jay's most impactful initiative was his creation of Mt. 
Carmel Health, Wellness and Community Center, Mt. Carmel Center of 
Excellence of Colorado, and Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center which 
provides access to medical care and career change resources to our 
community and specifically our veterans. Jay truly modeled for all of 
us how to properly serve in the most caring and generous way for those 
who have served our nation.
  Jay and his wife Emily of more than fifty-five years enjoyed the 
blessings of their four children and eight grandchildren. The legacy of 
the Cimino family continues to have an impact in the Pike Peak region 
following in the steps of Jay's vision and passion.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring 
and celebrating the exemplary life of Jay Cimino whose fingerprints on 
the Pike Peak region will remain for the rest of time.

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