New owner at Transit Tire in Murray

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Transit Tire Sales site on Ridge Road in Murray will reopen on Friday as Joe’s Tires. The business will be owned by Joe and Heather Tomasino of Kendall. Pictured from left include employee Matt Eden, Joe’s dad Ron Tomasino, Heather Tomasino, and employee Curtis Russell.

MURRAY – A business that was a mainstay in Murray for about 45 years will reopen on Friday with a new owner.

Joe and Heather Tomasino are taking over the Transit Tires Sales business. They will rename it Joe’s Tires.

Phil and Lenora Portnoy opened the business in 1978. It first operated on Transit Road in Albion before going to 15753 Ridge Road about 30 years ago. They retired from the business and closed in June.

“The Portnoys put their blood, sweat and tears in this business,” said Heather Tomasino, who is a special education teacher at Kendall. “They provided a service to the community. It’s been a staple.”

Joe Tomasino is eager to open Joe’s Tires at the Transit Tire site at 15753 Ridge Road. He will soon have a new inventory of tires.

The Tomasinos said the locally owned tire business has been missed in the community the past six months. Joe was a long-time customer at Transit Tire, especially since he opened his used car business about 2 ½ years ago on Route 104 in Spencerport. He will continue to operate Joe’s Cars in Spencerport while upgrading the Transit Tire site.

“We got a lot coming,” he said today. “We have high hopes.”

Tomasino, 44, has been fixing cars since he was 13. He was a corrections officer for 10 years while working for different dealerships. The Kendall native and resident said he is grateful to have his own business close to home.

Some familiar faces will be part of Joe’s Tires. Curtis Russell worked for Transit Tire for 29 years. He is back at the site working for Tomasino. So is Matt Eden.

Russell said the business has an easy recipe for repeat customers and success: “provide a really great service at an affordable price.”

He said the Portnoys were always upfront on prices “with no hidden costs.”

Tomasino said the business will be open Monday through Saturday. For more information, contact Joe’s Tires at (585) 283-4028.