George Moss of East Hampton Remembered as Founding Partner of Rallye Motors on Long Island

George Kendall Moss, a founding partner of Rallye Motors on Long Island whose career spanned automotive, photography, electronics, technology and marine life advocacy, died peacefully with his family at his home in East Hampton on Aug. 6. He was 95.

Born in New York City on July 23, 1930, Kendall served in the U. S. Army, three years at the Pentagon in the aviation research unit — which developed the Huey Helicopter (Bell UH-1 Iroquois) — and eight years in the reserves. He and his partners John Colgate and Peter Terian founded the premiere luxury automotive group Rallye Motor Company from which they sold cars ranging from Acura, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes Benz. Over the years the company grew as a family-spirited company and they represented almost every major foreign manufacturer, beginning with Maserati racing cars.

“I valued George’s friendship and guidance over the years,” Juliana Terian, CEO and president of Rallye Motor Company, said. “I’m very proud that the principles George and our founders established over 65 years ago, continue to guide our company today.”

After growing too large for its Sea Cliff facility, Rallye moved to Glen Cove to expand their horizons. representing Porsche, Peugeot, Saab, DKW, and Rolls-Royce. In 1987, Rallye moved to Roslyn where they built a custom-designed facility for Mercedes-Benz and BMW. In 1989, Rallye was one of 70 dealerships from over 1,700 franchise applications in the nation to be granted the opportunity to open a Lexus dealership. The facility in Glen Cove was then renovated to accommodate and represent Lexus.

“The auto industry mourns the loss of a true pioneer,” Mark Schienberg, president of Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, said. “Through hard work, commitment and a visionary sprit, George helped build one of the most successful luxury dealer groups in the country. His legacy lives on through the organization he co-founded.”

Rallye Motor Company’s initial foray into automotive retail began with selling Maseratis and its parts. The founders chose Rallye with an E, to reflect their focus on foreign imports.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Moss when I started at Rallye in 2000,” Richard DeAngelo, general sales manager of Rallye Motors, recalled. “Unbeknownst to me, there was a technical issue with my phone; whenever I would use my phone, Mr. Moss couldn’t use his. We struck up a great conversation about sales and he commended me for spending so much time on the phone. Although I was new to Rallye and very intimidated, his kindness set a positive tone that resonates with me to this day.”

After leaving Rallye, George remained lifelong friends with Peter as they supported one
another in their individual pursuits. For the past 35 years, George was a Life Trustee of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the world’s leading independent nonprofit dedicated to oceanographic
preservation.

Moss always had great curiosity and a “do it now” approach to life. At Choate at age 13 he got his pilot’s license. Over the years he flew various fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. This interest led to his working during summers at Grumman in Long Island, where aircraft were tested.

In 1956 he married Barbara Anne Buck (Moss), with whom he had two sons, George Farrell Moss and Richard Buck Moss. In 1972 he married Joyce Kempker Leonard (Moss) with whom he lived in New York City, and North Haven, ME, and until his death in East Hampton, and Vero Beach, FL.

He is survived by his two sons, George Farrell Moss and Richard Buck Moss, his two grandsons George Buck Moss and Oliver Farrell Moss, his beloved wife of 53 years Joyce Leonard Moss and he was predeceased by his brother Peter Bayard Moss. All of whom he loved very deeply.

A celebration of his life is being planned for October. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Imaging Lab where Moss was a Life Trustee.