Anthony Gullo

1934 - 2024

Tony Gullo, Sr. left this Earthly Life and claimed victory in Jesus on June 16, 2024. He was surrounded by his family and holding the hand of his "Babe." He was born in Houston, Texas on January 7, 1934 to Italian immigrant parents, Dominic and Jennie Gullo. He was the youngest of seven children and graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1953.

While still a Senior in high school, he met, courted and then secretly married the love of his life-Dolly Clark- in January 1953. They were married for 71 years. After graduating high school, he and his new bride roughnecked through Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. During this time, two children, Linda and Penny, were born. Tony supplemented the family income by buying and selling used cars as a side job. At age 22, with their 3rd child on the way, he realized his love and passion of selling cars was a better means to support his growing family. They returned to Houston to be near family, and Tony took a job as a salesman at a local Rambler dealership. With his salesmanship and infectious energy, he quickly rose through the ranks and became General Sales Manager at Frizzell Pontiac. Through a chance introduction by his colleague, Don McGill, Tony met Fred Haas. Don told Tony and Fred about a new upstart opportunity with an import car company coming to town-Toyota. Gulf States Toyota was recruiting dealers for this new venture and wanted a dealership on the north side of Houston. While highly successful in their current roles, Tony and Fred took a huge leap of faith and bought the franchise. Gullo-Haas Toyota opened their doors in 1970.

Over the next 22 years, Tony and Fred bought and sold multiple franchises, but Gullo-Haas Toyota remained the flagship.

In 1991, Tony expanded his business into New Orleans and founded Lakeside Toyota. Then, in 1992, opportunity arose closer to home and Gullo Toyota was established in Conroe. Over the next 7 years, Tony acquired Gullo Ford, Gullo Mazda and North Shore Toyota.

Tony invested in numerous other businesses outside the automotive world, but his greatest investment was his family. Nothing in this world brought him more joy than spending time with them. You could often here him saying' "if you don't have family, what do you have?" No matter how large the family grew, he was adamant about keeping them close. He celebrated every birthday, holiday, and milestone surrounded by his sons and daughters, in-laws, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Time together didn't stop there though; he would take his family on trips around the world creating a lifetime of memories and laughter along the way. Regardless of which special occasion was being celebrated, none ended without him saying, " if we don't have God in our lives then we are missing out on the true riches in life." No one close to him ever mistook what he held in highest priority: God.

This was best evidenced by his generous, servant heart and his relentless passion for helping others. Philanthropy and giving back to the community played a huge part in his life and was something that he genuinely loved. But, he had an extra special place in his heart for helping children. Bringing them joy and hope was highlighted by Christmas for Kids, support of Foster's Children's Home, the Earning by Learning program, high school scholarships, and funding college dormitories at LCU.

Tony was predeceased by his daughter, Penny Gullo Waldrum; and his grandson, Austin Gullo. He is also predeceased by his parents and his six siblings. He is survived by his wife, Dolly; his daughter Linda Rodriguez and husband Roddy; his sons Tony and wife Donna, Sparky and wife Debbie, and Corky and wife Mary. He is also survived by grandchildren, DeLena McEwen (Corey), Anthony Rodriguez (Pieper), Brett Rodriguez (Maegan), Ashley Gullo, Garrett Waldrum (Holly), Chelsey McGhee (Matt), Brooke Fredrich (Alex); T.J. Gullo (Virginia), Grant Gullo (Taylor), and Michael Gullo. He is also survived by twenty great-grandchildren.

In lieu flowers, please make donations to Gullo Christmas For Kids, 500 I45 South, Conroe TX 77304.