In May, 1960, Chittenango, New York was abuzz with all kinds of news: Ronald Dunn of Oneida was hired by the School Board to be their attorney; Bolivar School's Scampers Choir was to present their 4th Annual Spring Concert; Sandra Kirkpatrick was on her way to Europe; and John Rotella was Chittenango's newest business man: "Mr. Ford", as the Madison County Times' society column dubbed him.
John Rotella was my father. He was an enduring, persuasive, and friendly force in the Central New York automobile business community during his 64 years in business, which he began in 1937. Upon his death at the age of 86 in May, 2001, he held the title of being New York State's longest-in-business car dealer. For a short period in his career, he was the Ford dealer in the village of Chittenango, which lies about 20 miles west of Syracuse.
When my father was named a Ford dealer, I was 11 years old, and already well on my way to dreaming about LOVEfords. It was unavoidable, however, that during this time I would form an even stronger bond and dedication to the Blue Oval. No LOVEfords feature about the 1960 Fords would be complete without making mention of that fact.
To read the entire article exactly as it appeared in the May 13, 1960 issue of the Madison County Times, click here. I am also happy to share with you an advertisement for John Rotella Ford from the same newspaper.

Thank you for sharing this important part of LOVEfords with me,

John Rotella, Jr.

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