Peter Mastro, Immigrant Who
Achieved the American Dream

PETER MASTRO, OWNER OF Mastro Subaru in Tampa, Florida, passed away on November 18, 1992, after a long battle with cancer. An Alfa Romeo and Subaru dealer, he represented Subaru on AIADA's Board of Directors since 1985 and was a 1986 recipient of the AIADA Sports Illustrated Dealer of Distinction Award. In 1983, Peter was named Subaru National Dealer of the Year. He served as chairman of the Southeast Subaru Dealer Council in 1984-85 and 1987-88.

Peter was the personification of the American dream. In September 1958 at seventeen, Peter left his native Guardiaregia Campobasso Italy, and immigrated to the United States.

When he first arrived, Peter attended night school to learn English. He worked at a Fiat dealership until 1961 and was then employed at a Volkswagen dealership in Syracuse, New York, until 1969. It was in Syracuse that he met his future wife, Jaye. In April 1969, the Mastro family moved to Tampa, Florida, where Peter opened his own Volkswagen used car and repair business. In 1973, he became the proud owner of a new car dealership, Mastro Subaru.

Peter was a certified Subaru Technician for twenty years. He was one of the few dealer principals to have this type of knowledge and his expertise as a mechanic has served the dealership well. His son, Stephen comments, "Many people buy cars from us because they know Mastro Subaru can be counted on for outstanding servicing of their vehicle". Peter's entire family works at the dealership. His wife, Jaye, is now president. Both sons are vice presidents. Peter, Jr. heads up the service department and Stephen is in charge of sales. Their sister, Lisa, works as a secretary.

Fellow AIADA Director Jim Vagim of Tall Man Subaru in Portersville, California, says: "Peter was one of the top 100 Subaru dealers in the United States for all the years he had his franchise. He was also a very active dealer. In fact, it was he who inspired me some years ago to get involved with AIADA. Peter was a champion of dealers' causes who spoke his mind. He was liked by everybody."

Peter T. Mastro, Sr.
November 16, 1941 - November 18, 1992

Those who have not yet heard the news will be saddened to learn that Peter Mastro the well-known and respected principal of Mastro Subaru in Tampa, Florida died on November 18, 1992.

In a letter to his widow, SOA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Takeshi Higurashi observed, "Peter Mastro was a valued and trusted dealer whose dedication to the Subaru franchise went above and beyond just representing our nameplate in the marketplace for the past 20 years. He gave unstintingly of his time and energy in making us a better company and in giving our product respect among his customers and employees."

Peter Mastro will be remembered as a Subaru dealer who was distinguished by his excellence. He was a former chairman of the Southeast Subaru Dealer Council, a former chairman of the National Subaru Dealer Council and a recipient of the Sports Illustrated AIADA Import Dealer of Distinction Award, among other awards and distinctions.

Under his direction, the busy Mastro Subaru grew and prospered during his 23 years of leadership. The dealership motto tells a great deal about the measure of the man and his organization: "Our reputation rides with you."
A warm and friendly man, Peter Mastro had many friends at all levels in dealerships across the country, throughout Subaru of America and at Fuji Heavy Industries.

A native of Italy, Peter had just passed his 51st birthday at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, Jaye, two sons, Peter, Jr. and Stephen, a daughter Lisa, two sisters, three brothers and a grandchild.

Chairman Higurashi's letter aptly summed up the feelings of everyone as they were told the news of his death, "We shall all miss Peter greatly."

We know all reader send their sympathies to the entire Mastro family and the outstanding people at Mastro Subaru.