GREENWICH, Conn. -- U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. (USSTC), a subsidiary of UST Inc., said that Gary A. Milano, senior vice president of sales, passed away on January 16 after a courageous battle with illness. Milano, 56, worked in sales for USSTC for 30 years, serving the last decade as the top executive in the company's entire sales organization.
Over the course of his long career with USSTC, Milano earned a national reputation as one of the most passionate, honest and hard working sales executives in the consumer packaged goods industry.
Words cannot describe the enormous impact that Gary had on our business and how greatly he will be missed, said Dan Butler, president, USSTC. Gary had a true passion for our business, our industry and our people. His impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
Milano joined USSTC (then known as United States Tobacco) in 1977 as an entry-level sales representative in New Jersey and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1979, he was promoted to division manger and promoted again in 1984 to eastern field sales manager. In 1987, Milano was promoted to regional vice president of sales, where, based in the Chicago area, he oversaw the Midwestern USSTC field sales force. He moved on to serve in the same capacity at USSTC's Southeastern regional office in 1996 before taking the reins as vice president over all of field sales in 1997.
In early January, Milano summoned his signature poise and spirit one final time to personally kick off USSTC's annual national sales meeting in Orlando. In his address, he enthusiastically congratulated his devoted sales force for another outstanding year and encouraged them to continue servicing retail and wholesale customers with the utmost integrity and commitment to excellence.
A consummate family man, Milano leaves behind his loving and supportive wife, Florence, sons Anthony and Robert and friends nationwide.
CSP sends condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
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