Charitable owner of automobile dealership in Rochester Hills dies at 79
George Alan Fetsco, an Oakland County businessman with a charitable and adventurous spirit who owned Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Rochester Hills, died July 25.
He was 79.
Born in Detroit, he developed an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, family members said. At just 12 years old, he was voted “Best Paperboy” for selling the most subscriptions for the Detroit News. Fetsco also contributed to his father’s Borden milk truck business by assisting with deliveries and managing accounts.
In 1963, Fetsco answered the call to serve his country and joined the U.S. Navy. During his two-year service, he had the opportunity to sail in the Mediterranean, which ignited a passion for traveling abroad.
After completing his military duties, he ventured into the automotive industry, starting his career by selling cars. He eventually fulfilled his dream of establishing his own dealership in 1973 before the age of 30. Rochester Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram is now in its 50th year of operation, with a commemoration celebration to be held later this year, said Fetsco's daughters Lara Phillip and Catherine Fetsco.
“He was my role model,” Phillip said. “He was hardworking and down to earth. He was incredibly generous and kind and loyal to his family and friends.
“His employees meant the world to him and he always thought of his employees as family,” she said, noting that many have worked with him for a long time, some as much as 40 years or more.
Beyond his business success, Fetsco was known for his hospitability and adventurous spirit. He cherished snowy winters, spending time snowmobiling, and relished sunny summers, boating Up North on Lake Charlevoix, family members said.
He was also committed to community, actively supporting organizations like the Salvation Army, Marine Toys for Tots, the Older Persons Commission, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and more.
Fetsco leaves behind his wife, Cynthia, of 56 years; daughters Lara (Lincoln Phillip) and Catherine; granddaughter Lauren Phillip; and siblings James, Suzanne and Daniel.
"My father was a class act and a true gentleman, they just don't make them like that anymore," said daughter Catherine Fetsco.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sept. 9 at Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Road in Bloomfield Hills.
Brendel Hightower is an assistant editor at the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bhightower@freepress.com. Support local journalism:Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: George Alan Fetsco, owner of automobile dealership in Rochester Hills, dies
