Google defines “Hall of Fame” as “The class or category of those individuals who have excelled in a particular field.”

For the past 30 years, having the privilege of being his friend, I’ve witnessed that Tony Divino is a Hall of Famer, not just for the New Car Dealers of Utah, but a Hall of Famer in his particular field: life.

In preparation for what I was going to say about Tony, one constant theme surfaced from all who gave accolades as I gathered comments about him. The validation of Tony’s very broad positive influence on so many came from quotes from various people he has touched in different aspects of his life. In essence, his “Hall of Fame” living game!

Here are quotes and observations from those who have benefited from Tony’s relentless and unwavering commitment throughout the years:

Weber School District

“Tony is the longest-serving board member and chairman for more than 20 years.”

“He is the title sponsor of the annual Golf Tournament.”

“Tony sponsors the Annual Teacher of the Year Award Program that recognizes a teacher from the Weber District for outstanding achievement. He sponsors the award and dinner for that outstanding individual.”

“His employees raise money at Christmastime for 10 teachers who are in need of support, and Tony personally matches what they raise.”

“Tony allows the local high school to have their Prom on his showroom floor!”

“Tony is the title sponsor of the Christmas Tree Jubilee to raise money for the school district.”

Prevent Child Abuse of Utah

“Tony has been involved with Prevent Child Abuse for over 30 years.”

“Thirty years ago, Tony was asked to donate money, and he jumped right in – not just with his wallet but with his time and effort and never looked back.”

“Tony has been the Board Chairman more than once and still serves on the Board of Directors. He does not just sit on the Board; he does the work. He walks the talk. He’s there for the right reasons.”

“Twenty years ago, Tony started and organized the Prevent Child Abuse Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser and still oversees it to this day.”

“Tony was directly involved with getting Toyota’s sponsorship of Prevent Child Abuse of Utah and, more importantly, their money!”

“He truly cares about the children of Utah and their welfare. Anything Tony commits to, you get 100% Tony.”

Employees of Tony Divino Toyota

“Tony is a self-made dealer, 35 years plus.”

“Tony has been the Toyota President’s Award Winner many times; he has a hands-on dealer approach and an open door policy.”

“Tony shares the dealership success with trips to Europe, Jazz tickets and more.”

“Tony’s success as a dealer is reflected in the long term tenure of many employees of 20, 30 and 40-plus years.”

“It’s not unusual to see Tony engaging with customers on a daily basis. We are proud to say we work at Tony Divino Toyota.”

“Our dealership credo is ‘Do the right thing the minute you know it’s the right thing.’ Treat customers as if they were your mother.”

From Family and Friends

“Tony has been married to his life partner and soul mate, Cynthia, for 47 years.”

“They have raised three incredible daughters and have three sons-in-law and six grandchildren.”

“Cynthia and Tony worked through the good times and the tough times to where they are today.”

“Tony’s dedication and love for Cynthia are endless. One recent example: he stayed home with Cynthia while she was immobile for three months after her ankle surgery.”

“Tony is a true family man first. He would do anything for his family. Cynthia knew Tony was an honorable man the first time they met.”
“He teaches the family values of love, fairness, hard work, honor in work and good stewardship in life.”

“Tony is a very ‘humble’ man.”

Tony is devoted and loyal to friends, some he has had for more than 60 years. He makes friends for life; he has been friends with President Miller since they were three years old.

Tony was instrumental in forming the South High Alumni Association and Salt Lake Community College Scholarships Program to benefit South High Alumni’s relatives, and he serves on its Board. He is taking care of his high school buddies 50 years later.

As you can see, there’s a common theme: Twenty years, 30 years, 40, 50 and 60+ years. Now, it does not infer that Tony is old (sorry, my friend), but it validates his high level of commitment to any aspect of his life. Tony is indeed a “life” Hall of Famer.

Cynthia says there are some four-letter words in the Divino family that are not spoken. One of those words is F. I. S. H. Everyone knows Tony’s passion for fishing. Hell, he would fish in a bathtub if it was stocked with fish!

Tony and I have had many great fishing adventures over the years. Alaska, Maui, Cabo, Costa Rica, Flaming Gorge and more. A lifetime of memories. Tony is very competitive, especially when it comes to catching fish. Not very often, you might get lucky and catch a fish bigger than Tony’s when here it comes: “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.” We all have heard that more than we would like!

In the game of life, Tony is anything but a blind squirrel. No luck involved in his life game. He earned all he has accomplished through honor, integrity, fairness, sacrifice, hard work, and loyalty, with the loving support of Cynthia and his family.

I am honored to introduce my great friend and a 2022 New Car Dealers of Utah Hall of Fame Inductee, Tony Divino.