Paul Joseph Cafiero

1953 - 2023

Paul Joseph Cafiero Paul Joseph Cafiero, a beloved husband, Dad, Papa, and pillar of his community, peacefully passed away on June 16, 2023, at the Ernestine M. Raclin House - Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 29, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Paul was the son of Anthony J. and Gloria J. (Angotti) Cafiero.

A man of profound faith, Paul was a devoted Catholic whose spiritual journey played a central role in his life. His unwavering faith in God provided him with solace and strength, guiding him through both joys and challenges. Paul's commitment to his Catholic values served as an inspiration to all who knew him.

Paul's greatest joy was his family. Paul married the love of his life Deborah (Meyer), in South Bend. Their union was blessed with the joys of family and the creation of cherished memories. Paul leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and generosity. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Deborah Cafiero of Granger, his daughter Gina (Toby) Goetz residing in Cleveland, TN, his son Arthur (Lauren) Cafiero of Golden, CO, and his daughter Tiffani (Matthew) Lynn of Granger. Paul was the proud and adoring grandfather "Papa" of eight grandchildren who brought immeasurable joy to his life: Owen, Isaic, Claire, Myles, Carter, Penelope (Pippi), Amaya, and Oliver. Paul also shared a special bond with his siblings Carol (Brad) Chandler, Thomas (Laura) Cafiero, Diane Cafiero, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barbara J (Cafiero) Bentley, and his brother-in-law Lawrence Bentley.

Education played a significant role in Paul's life as he pursued his passion for leadership and finance. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University and a Master of Business Administration, magna cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame. These academic achievements laid the foundation for his remarkable career, where he rose to the esteemed position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at AM General. Paul's exceptional financial acumen and leadership were widely recognized, earning him the respect and admiration of colleagues and industry peers. The University of Notre Dame honored Paul with the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to his field and underscoring his remarkable impact.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Paul possessed an incredible commitment to serving others and making a positive impact on his community. He dedicated his time and energy to numerous charitable organizations, including A Rosie Place for Children, Madison Center, American Red Cross, Kroc Center, Prevent Child Abuse, the Studebaker National Museum, and more. Paul's compassionate spirit and tireless efforts uplifted the lives of countless individuals, providing hope, comfort, and support to those in need. His involvement with the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors allowed him to share his strategic insights and play a pivotal role in shaping the community's future.

When his father-in-law passed away, Paul demonstrated his exceptional love and devotion to his wife by presenting her with a gift, naming the food pantry after his wife's father "The Walter A. Meyer Food Pantry", a remarkable initiative housed within the local Salvation Army Kroc Center. This act of love and compassion paid homage to her father and provided nourishment and support to families throughout the region, deeply touching Deborah's heart and blessing her life.

Paul found great joy and camaraderie in his love for Notre Dame football. Attending games with friends and family, he reveled in the electric atmosphere, spirited chants, and shared excitement of cheering on his beloved Fighting Irish. These cherished memories of Notre Dame football games will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who shared those joyful experiences with him. Paul's love for the Chicago Cubs was also an integral part of his life, and he was truly blessed to experience the elation of attending Game 2 of the 2016 World Series victory with his family.

In honor of Paul's kind and generous spirit, the family graciously requests that donations be made in his memory to these incredible organizations:

-Ernestine M. Raclin House - Center for Hospice Care at https://foundationforhospice.org/donate/

-The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research at https://lustgarten.org.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation hours on Thursday June 22, 2023, from 3:00-7:00pm at Palmer Funeral Homes - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN. Funeral services will be held on Friday June 23, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN. Burial will take place in the serene Cedar Grove cemetery on the beautiful campus of the University of Notre Dame.

Paul's kind and generous demeanor touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will forever be cherished, and the impact he made will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come. Though our hearts ache with the loss of such an extraordinary individual, we find solace in the knowledge that his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to have shared in his life's journey.