Paul Fausto Oreffice

Paul F. Oreffice, age 97, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Thursday, December 26, 2024, at his home in Paradise Valley, AZ. He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Jo Ann Pepper Oreffice; his children, Laura Jennison (Jon) and Andy Oreffice (Jamie); his grandchildren, Drew Jennison (Kimberly), Alex Jennison (Julie), and Kyle, Jillian, Lila and John Paul Oreffice; and his great-granddaughter Josie. Paul lived the American Dream, going from being an immigrant to a major company CEO. He was born in Venice, Italy, on November 29, 1927. In 1940, Paul moved with his family to Quito, Ecuador, and in 1945, he came to the USA, where he went directly to Purdue University, speaking fewer than 50 words of English. Paul graduated from Purdue in February 1949 with a BS in Chemical Engineering. After serving the country he loved in the US Army for two years, Paul joined The Dow Chemical Company in February 1953. After a variety of international assignments, including living in Italy, Brazil, and Spain, he progressed to Dow’s headquarters in Midland, MI, in 1970. Paul became the president and CEO of the company in April 1978. He later added the title of chairman of the board. He retired in December 1992.

Paul served on the boards of CIGNA, Coca-Cola, Morgan Stanley, and Nortel Networks. He was also the chairman of The American Enterprise Institute, The National Parkinson Foundation and on the visiting board of MD Anderson Cancer Center. Paul received Spain's highest civilian award and was the recipient of the top medals awarded by the world's three premier chemical organizations. In 2006, Paul’s book “Only in America” was published. It weaves the story of Paul's immigration to America, from escaping fascist rule in Mussolini’s Italy to realizing America's promises for those willing to work hard and convert obstacles and setbacks into achievements and success.

Paul’s achievements were not contained to the business world as he was a Life Master in Bridge, a skilled ping pong player, and a single-digit handicap golfer until his 40s when he gave it up for a younger man’s game, tennis. He was an avid tennis player until the age of 89 and certainly lost count of all the opponents’ decades younger than he that he defeated. Paul was an enthusiastic sports fan, and his favorite teams were the Miami Dolphins and Purdue. He was a charter season ticket holder for the Dolphins and was a fervent Boilermaker.

Paul had a lifelong passion for horses, riding as a child and investing in thoroughbred racehorses for the last four decades. Partnering with Dogwood Stable and later Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, he delighted in hundreds of wins, highlighted by victories in the Preakness with Summer Squall and in the Belmont Stakes with Palace Malice. Paul had ownership in eight Kentucky Derby starters, finishing 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. He also served on the Board of the New York Racing Association, was the Chairman of Saratoga War Horse, and had a home in Saratoga Springs, NY, where he relished being in the epicenter of the horse racing world in the summer.

Beyond the accolades, Paul’s most significant achievements were with his family and friends. He was a loving husband to Jo Ann, a fantastic father who always found time for Laura and Andy, a grandfather with seemingly endless wisdom to give, and a generous and loyal friend to so many. Paul’s limitless generosity extended well beyond his family and friends. He donated to countless organizations with an affinity for veterans, Purdue, fighting cancer, and Parkinson's disease.

Paul was a key driver in establishing the Midland Community Tennis Center. He started a family legacy of giving back, which his children and grandchildren have embraced and will continue. He was indeed one of a kind and will be greatly missed by so many people who loved him. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM, at Paradise Valley Country Club. A private entombment will occur in Saratoga Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to The Purdue for Life Foundation (purdueforlife.org), the Parkinson’s Foundation(parkinson.org), or MD Anderson Cancer Center(mdanderson.org).