Burton M. Lustine, Chairman of the Board and Owner of Lustine Toyota and Lustine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, has passed away.
Burton’s father, Philip Lustine, founded the Lustine family of dealerships in 1923, starting with the Lustine-Nicholson Motor Company’s Chevrolet dealership.
Burton joined his father’s business in the 1960s and quickly assumed management and ownership responsibilities. He became known as “Battlin’ Burt Lustine” as a result of his development of one of the first long-term branding programs for automobile dealerships.
Under his leadership, the company expanded to include additional franchises and the largest General Motors parts distribution center in the United States. In recent years, his grandson Fernando Gonzalez has taken an active role in the business.
Burton Lustine was predeceased by his beloved wife of 29 years, Megan Morgan Lustine, who died in August. He is survived by his stepchildren, their families, and other family members.
The Lustine family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.