Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Maroone built South Florida auto empire
His support was crucial in growth of Cleveland Clinic in Florida
He built his auto empire from the ground up, and was a household name in South Florida for decades thanks to his catchy car commercials set to the “Ghostbusters” theme music. Albert E. Maroone died Feb. 17 at 98.
The famed auto magnate was the “embodiment of the American dream” in his family’s eyes — a “classic rags to riches story,” says his son Mike Maroone, 57.
Maroone’s parents were Lebanese immigrants who came to Niagara Falls, N.Y., after marrying at 16. His grandmother ran a small convenience store and grocery and their family lived above it. Maroone mopped floors and scrubbed restroom toilets at the Republic Steel plant to make money for his family.
“He came from very meager means,” his son said. “He never had his own bed until he went to the Navy. He was the first person in his family to go to college. He accomplished a lot over very long odds.”
He eventually became a Ford dealer in Buffalo, N.Y., starting in 1955. Mike Maroone grew up in and around his father’s businesses and started working for him back in 1977 when his father bought a Ford dealership in Miami, he said. He was 13 at the time. “It was a great honor to learn from him,” he said.
Maroone later bought a Chevy dealership in 1981, his son said. Mike Maroone graduated college from the University of Colorado and came back to Miami to run it. Together they turned it into a chain of nine dealerships, the commercials aired, and they never had disagreements of any magnitude, he said. They had a uniquely special father-son business relationship.
“It was a love affair,” Mike Maroone said. “It was a very unique thing. I was blessed to have him as a mentor, a father, and a business partner.”
In 1997, they were approached
by Fort Lauderdale businessman H. Wayne Huizenga. He wanted them to join AutoNation in what would become the largest auto dealership acquisition of its time.
They agreed. At that time, Al Maroone retired and got involved in philanthropy, eventually raising $100 million for Cleveland Clinic. Al and his wife, Kit, were dedicated to health care and trying to ensure everyone had access to it.
His support was crucial to the growth of Cleveland Clinic in Florida. The $100 million contribution to the cancer treatment center in Weston was in honor of the family name.
His other passion was sports, and he was a big supporter of South Florida’s sports teams, especially the Miami Heat and Florida Panthers. He also never stopped supporting the Buffalo Bills. He enjoyed watching sports, golfing at the Boca Rio Golf Club and spending time with his family.
“All of us just couldn’t get enough of his wisdom,” Mike Maroone said. “He had 98 really good years, and he was really sharp until the end.”
Matt Maroone, one of his grandsons, said his grandfather was exceedingly humble and rarely talked about himself and his accomplishments.
“He was very charming, kind, and complimentary to people from all walks of life,” Matt Maroone said.
Maroone is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
“We’re all trying to keep what he called the PP — the proper perspective,” Mike Maroone said. “And the proper perspective is he had a wonderful life. I couldn’t express to you how many people he’s helped in this community with money, with healthcare resources, and with advice.”