Julius Louis Pericola

Julius Louis Pericola, ninety-one, of Naples, Florida and formerly from Syracuse, New York died peacefully at his home on September 14, 2020.  Born on January 2, 1929, “Jules” grew up in Union City, New Jersey the son of Louis and Helen (Kaminski) Pericola, during a time he would describe as the “Depression Generation.” He learned to love gardening from his mother and the outdoors from his years as a Boy Scout. As a youth his Uncle Stanley mentored him during wondrous fishing, boating, and hunting excursions throughout the four seasons on the northeast coast. However, his real love came at Emerson High School where he met Dorothy Mariani. In 1951 they were married while Jules was a serviceman in the air force, beginning what would be over 64 years of marriage.

Julius graduated from Rutgers University in 1949 with a B.S. in Accounting, later returning for his M.B.A. in Finance from 1954-1956. He began working for Bristol-Myers in Hillside N. J. in 1950 as a Cost Clerk in Accounting, consistently moving his way through the 50’s and early 60’s in various accounting positions. In 1965 a promotion to Bristol-Myers Company International Division moved his work life to New York City where Jules was the Director of Operations Planning for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Jules’ drive and ability to succeed continued throughout the 70’s and 80’s. As General Manager for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean-Andean Area Jules, Dorothy and their children moved to Santurce, Puerto Rico from 1970- 1974. This period of time was filled with work, travel, fun, friends, tennis, and golf.

In 1974, a promotion brought the Pericolas to Syracuse, NY, a place he loved. In Syracuse he was the Executive Vice President and then shortly after named President of Bristol Laboratories from 1974 – 1985. In that time period, Bristol Laboratories grew in large part because of the anticancer research and development areas created under his leadership. Jules would say that his years in Syracuse were some of his fondest memories. An avid supporter of Syracuse University, their sports and scholarship programs, he served as an active Board of Trustee from 1980 – 2000 and continued as a life Trustee. Jules supported Syracuse in many ways serving on the Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of Central New York. In Syracuse, he and Dorothy enjoyed the outdoors while fishing, playing tennis, and teeing up at the golf course. They developed many wonderful lasting friendships.

From Syracuse, Jules and Dorothy moved back to New Jersey where he finished his 40-year career with the Bristol-Myers International Group as Executive Vice President and then Senior Vice President of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. In 1983, Rutgers University School of Business, presented him with the “Alumnus of the Year” Award. Truly his skills as a motivator and mentor influenced many leaders in the business community. He was admired by the way he kept his focus on the “basics” in business while growing the skills of the people working around him.

The last 30 years in retirement brought many travels to Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, South Africa, Russia and China.  During these retirement years he and Dorothy lived in both Naples and Syracuse. He was a member of Onondaga Country Club, NY, Royal Poinciana Country Club and Naples Yacht Club, FL. Food, wine and friends were near and dear to him.

Jules is predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, and is survived by his three daughters, Patricia DeFusco (Armando) of Alpharetta, GA, Helene Thorn (William) of Blairstown, NJ, and Lisa Case (Gregory) of Silver Spring, MD. Also, nine grandchildren, Leah, Matthew (Rachana), Ashley (Joseph), Julie, Laura, Taylor, Kevin, Jennifer and Caroline, as well as, two great grandchildren, Aria and Aiden.  He is also survived by his sister, Madeline Hatten and sister-in law Ernestine Pericola.

There will be a visitation on Friday, September 18, 20202 from 9:00 –10:00 am at the Fuller Funeral Home, 1625 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 475 9th St. So. Naples.  He will be laid to rest in the Mausoleum at Palm Royale Cemetery, Naples.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105, or to a charity of your choice.