The amusement and music vending industry is mourning the loss of Larry Hilimire, Founder and Principal of Stanton Automatics in Auburn, N.Y., who passed away on Monday, September 1, 2025, at the age of 76. News of his passing has swept through businesses nationwide, reflecting his outsized influence as an “operator’s operator” and a gold standard for route success.
“Larry was an operator’s operator,” said Goldberg. “He was a gold standard with the success of his route.”
At the April 28 AMOA-NY Annual Gala, AMOA-NY President Ken Goldberg (Bar Partners) facilitated a surprise tribute sponsored by Michael Pace, Founder and Principal of Pace-O-Matic Corp. The moment culminated in Hilimire being named the first-ever recipient of the Michael Pace Integrity Award.
Image Source: AMOA-NY
Goldberg added: “Our April 28th gala has taken on precious meaning. Michael Pace had come to know Larry Hilimire through his thriving relationship as a Pace operator. Michael was inspired to recognize Larry’s iconic standing, and he chose to make this presentation at our AMOA-NY event.”
Joined on stage by Michael Pace, Larry Hilimire and his son, Doc, along with AMOA-NY VP Joe Bossolina (McGee Amusements), Hilimire accepted the honor “with dignity and pride” while courageously battling cancer. Moved by the moment, Michael Pace announced the Integrity Award will be presented annually at the AMOA-NY gala to celebrate future recipients who embody Hilimire’s character and contributions.
“It’s meaningful that the AMOA-NY gala had a role in this fitting testimonial to Larry Hilimire,” Goldberg concluded.
About Larry Hilimire
Hilimire founded and led Stanton Automatics for 50 years, transforming it from a 13-location games and music route into one of New York’s largest entertainment operations. He gave generously to the industry, serving multiple terms with the Amusement and Music Operators Association and many years on the TouchTunes Advisory Board. His career was capped in 2025 with the inaugural Michael Pace Integrity Award.
A proud Waterloo native, Hilimire graduated from Waterloo High School (1966), SUNY Cobleskill (1968), and RIT (1972)—where he competed in football, basketball, and golf—and served in the National Guard (1971–1977). He founded Waterloo Youth Hoop, directing it for 12 years, and was inducted into the Waterloo Athletic Hall of Fame (2005; team induction 2024). An avid golfer and lifetime member of Seneca Falls Country Club, he won the 2024 Super Senior Club Championship.
Memorial Arrangements and Condolences
A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 25 Center St., Waterloo, N.Y. 13165 (Fr. James Fennessey officiating). A private graveside service will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Condolences and remembrances may be sent to coegenungfuneralhome.com. To plant trees in his memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Larry Hilimire Fund for Youth Sports and Recreation (benefiting students in Seneca County). Donations may be sent to Lyons National Bank, 311 Grant Avenue Rd., Auburn, N.Y. 13021.
About Amusement and Music Owners Association of New York, Inc.
Amusement and Music Owners Association of New York, Inc. (AMOA-NY) was established in the 1940’s. AMOA-NY is an advocate for the refreshments and amusements industry. While AMOA-NY does not have a website, you can visit their national association, the Amusement and Music Owners Association, at this website: amoa.com.
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