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ROGER ENRICO Obituary
71, revered former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo and former Chairman of DreamWorks Animation, died on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. Roger was born on November 11, 1944 in Chisholm, MN, the son of Anthony and Rose Marie Parucci Enrico. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Babson College, and served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, stationed in Vietnam. Recruited to PepsiCo in 1971, Roger spent 32 distinguished years with the company, ultimately attaining chairmanship. A visionary marketer and risk taker, he was the competitive catalyst at Pepsi-Cola behind Coca-Cola's unprecedented reformulation of its flagship soft drink. He transformed PepsiCo's Frito-Lay global snack food businesses, and oversaw PepsiCo's Worldwide Restaurants (Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC.) He re-conceptualized PepsiCo, separating foods and beverages and spinning off restaurants into the successful YUM! Brands. Roger was a champion of front line workers, anonymously donating his salary to fund scholarships for their children. Following PepsiCo, Roger was courted out of retirement by DreamWorks Animation (DWA) CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg to chair the company through its IPO. He served for eight years at a pivotal moment in DWA's growth and evolution. Roger served on numerous corporate boards and the boards of the American Film Institute, the American Prairie Reserve, the Environmental Defense Fund, KERA, and the National Geographic Society. An active but quiet philanthropist, he was eager and generous to help others. Not only a great citizen and businessman, Roger was a loyal friend to many. Roger is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 48 years, Rosemary Margo Enrico; their son Aaron and his wife Catherine, and their children, Daniel, Gisele and Joseph, all of Dallas. A public celebration of Roger's life will be held on Monday, June 13, 2016 at 10am at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8107 Preston Road, Dallas, TX. Contributions may be made to The Roger and Rosemary Enrico Foundation, supporting social services, outreach and education for the underprivileged, environmental conservancy and medical research. Contributions can be sent to The Roger and Rosemary Enrico Foundation, c/o Paragon Advisors, 20820 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 300, Shaker Heights, OH 44122. Please express condolences at www. sparkman-hillcrest.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jim Cavnar
May 29, 2024
We at Cross Catholic Outreach remember Roger Enrico as a generous philanthropist with a great heart for the poor. Over the thirteen years he partnered with CCO he supported a home for 600 orphaned boys in Haiti, construction of scores of houses for destitute families in Haiti, medical care for thousands in desolate regions of Kenya, and economic development of families in Dominican Republic. Today there are thousands of men and women around the world whose lives were forever changed by his compassion. They do not know his name but we do and will never forget.
Alan Maduro
May 29, 2020
You may be gone from sight, but you are never gone from my mind
Alberto Fernandez
May 29, 2019
Great Man.... Helped My Family Tremendously .....Very Greatful To Have Known Him.... Thank You Mr. Enrico For EVERYTHING.
Karl Sooder
May 31, 2017
Roger Enrico was a contemporary brand manager at Frito-Lay in the 1970's.! learned much from his tireless energy and from his great ability to successfully navigate business currents. He is missed.
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Tom Wallace
June 22, 2016
Hi, Roger's Sister Sherry and I were in the Chisholm High class of 65. Our class motto was To low they reach who reach beneath the stars. It is no surprise Roger even surpassed that.
Our world has lost an exemplary individual who contributed a lot to it; not necessarily because of what he did but primarily who he was and the values he maintained throughout his life. A couple of years ago the Mayo Clinic did a Mayo heritage days film about our school doctor in Chisholm titled Moonlight Graham; A Life Well Lived. The subtitle certainly applies to Roger as well
By the way Rosemary the photo of what appears to be yours and Roger's prom picture is adorable. You two were a cute couple then and would appear you still were. Since you are now a Texan, find an old Tex Ritter song called Just Beyond the Moon (all over YouTube). When the time comes Roger will be as that song says waiting there just for you.
Diane Butler
June 14, 2016
Deepest Sympathy to Rosemary and Family. My Grandmother Minnie Pogggione always spoke highly of Roger. And it was a pleasure to meet him and all the family when we had the reunion in Las Vegas.
During Roger's visit to the Pepsi Plant in Curaçao
Alan & Milan Maduro
June 13, 2016
Please accept our condolences on the the passing away of Roger ! It was an Honor to have known such a great person and we will truly miss him and will never be forgotten!!! May He Rest in Peace ♥ Alan & Milan Maduro, Willemstad, Curaçao - Dutch Antilles
June 13, 2016
My sincere condolences to Roger's family. Also, to his sister Sherry and brother Richard.
Judie Enrico Lantman(cousin)
June 13, 2016
Rosemary, Mimi and I were greatly saddened to read about Roger. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Roger's memorial service was a beautiful tribute to a magnificent man.
Ward and Mimi Huey
David Gonzales
June 12, 2016
Rosemary and Family:
Jane and I were so sorry to hear about the death of Roger and send our prayers and condolences to you and your family. I had the privilege of working with Roger for many years at PepsiCo and he was one of the most inspired leaders I have had the honor of working with both at Frito-Lay and ultimately at PepsiCo. Most importantly, not only has his demonstrated leadership impacted a generation of business leaders but his compassion for the community and passion around education continues to have considerable influence on my personal and professional life even today. Blessings upon you family during this great time of sadness and our deepest sympathy to you and your loved ones. David and Jane Gonzales
Kate Dailey
June 12, 2016
Mr. Enrico touched so many lives here at Bishop Dunne Catholic School. He and Mrs. Enrico believed passionately in quality, college preparatory education that was innovative, technology based, and grounded in Christian values. Together, they sponsored many students over the years who were then able to attend college and succeed in careers and life. Mr. Enrico was a great advocate for southern Dallas and for Catholic education - he inspired us to greater achievement and was an extraordinary visionary. He was a quiet and sincere partner in our success and he will be greatly missed. Our condolences to the family in this time of great loss.
June 11, 2016
Dear Rosemary and family, and cousin Dick and Sherri. I was so saddened to hear of Roger's passing. He was an inspiration to all and left such a wonderful legacy. This sad time in our lives brings back so many memories when we were kids and would visit in Minnesota. My mom, Minnie Poggione, was so proud of Roger as we all were. My prayers are with you all at this time. You can reflect on all the wonderful memories. God Bless your family. Cousin, Loretta Poggione, Tucson, AZ
Michele Sagarino
June 10, 2016
Dear Rosemary, we were so very sorry to hear about Roger's death. He had such a big heart for the poor and made such a difference in the world. We are praying for you and your family. May God's peace rest on you during this time.
June 10, 2016
Rosemary and family, sorry for your loss. I had the privilege to work for Roger for a decade at Pepsico. He was a tremendous charismatic leader that could "see around corners" Paul Zmigrosky
Krystal DB
June 10, 2016
For the Enrico family, I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort hear your heart-broken prayers and provide you with much needed comfort during the difficult days and weeks ahead (Isaiah 42:10).
Rocio Gardea
June 10, 2016
Mr. Enrico's scholarship helped pay for my tuition at Columbia University. I am very grateful for his generous support for the many students of Dallas ISD and especially to those at Sunset High School. Mr. Enrico's contribution changed my life and that of my family. My greatest condolences to his family.
Richard (Dick) Alven
June 9, 2016
Dear Rosemary and family, my deepest and sincere condolences. It was an honor to know and work for Roger during my many years at Pepsi Co, he is truly an inspiration. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Harriet Laub Levine
June 9, 2016
I regret that I did not know him well. However, I am familiar with Rosemary. We both worked out, at the same time in the Warrington gym, and she is a lovely person. I am so sorry for her and their family loss. You all lost a great human being. My thoughts are with you.
June 9, 2016
My sincere sympathy to your family. May the God of all comfort be with your family in your time of grief.
Jim Cavnar
June 9, 2016
There's no question that Roger Enrico was one of the greatest business leaders of our generation. He was also one of the greatest humanitarians and philanthropists. I was always especially moved to see his generosity to the poorest of the poor in the developing world. In the Book of Proverbs we read, "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." Surely there is joy in heaven to welcome Roger to his eternal reward. May we all be inspired by his example.
Jim Cavnar, Cross Catholic Outreach
Kate Dailey
June 9, 2016
Mr. Enrico touched so many lives here at Bishop Dunne Catholic School. He and Mrs. Enrico believed passionately in quality, college preparatory education that was innovative, technology based, and grounded in Christian values. Together, they sponsored many students over the years who were then able to attend college and succeed in careers and life. Mr. Enrico was a great advocate for southern Dallas and for Catholic education - he inspired us to greater achievement and was an extraordinary visionary. He was a quiet and sincere partner in our success and he will be greatly missed. Our condolences to the family in this time of great loss.
Alberto Fernandez
June 8, 2016
My Name Is Alberto Fernandez, I would like to send my condolences to Mr. Enrico'Family. Mr.
June 8, 2016
Roger was a devoted member of the class of 1965 at Babson. I feel privileged that we celebrated our 50th anniversary together last year. We will miss him greatly. Tony Woodruff
Arlene Orozco
June 8, 2016
I'm beyond sad to hear this news. May Mr. Enrico rest in peace. I (along with lots of Sunset High School and other Dallas ISD alum) owe so much to Mr. Enrico. He was a visionary who through his generosity fueled so many students dreams. The RAE scholarship was an awesome program that taught me how to find and apply to scholarships which culminated in funding for all four years of college at the University of Texas at Austin from Mr. Enrico. I was empowered when I earned other scholarships and learned how to persevere when I was rejected from others. I have so many memories bonding with my high school classmates when we would apply to scholarships together through this program and my scholarship advisor even served as a recommender for grad school for me. I will begin my master's degree in speech-language pathology at UT El Paso in August and I hope to honor Mr. Enrico's legacy by continuing my education and helping those in need. I can't express how much Mr. Enrico impacted my life amd countless others. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Thank you Mr. Enrico.
June 8, 2016
Rosemary
Sorry we will be out of town on June 13, but Roberta and I will be thinking of you. Roger and I worked together from 1971 to 1976 with Frito-Lay. In my opinion, Roger was far ahead of all his peers on leading Frito-Lay toward the marketing giant it is today. And, his subsequent results speak loudly about his abilities.It was a privilege to have known him and watch him in action in his early years - and you were always at his side - thank you.
Jack Williamson
Dallas, Texas
Georgia Cortez
June 8, 2016
Worked with Roger as his Secretary at Frito-Lay. He inspired those of us who worked for him. Sincere condolences to the entire family.
Fred Heap
June 8, 2016
It was an Honor to know you and to be a classmate at Babson. You led the way for the rest of us. Enjoyed our conversation at the reunion. Rest in peace, Roger. We will not forget you. Rosemary, thank you for loaning Roger at our 50th Reunion of the Class of 1965 at Babson. We will not forget you, Roger.
Elaine Auerbach
June 7, 2016
Deepest sympathies to Rosemary and the family. Elaine Auerbach (formerly Elaine Palmer) PepsiCo.
June 7, 2016
Deepest regrets and condolences to Rosemary and Aaron. So sorry for your loss. Connie and Michael Goodman (Dallas, 1973-75)
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