Peter Secchia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Secchia
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| United States Ambassador to Italy | |
| In office July 3, 1989 – January 20, 1993 |
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| President | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Maxwell M. Rabb |
| Succeeded by | Reginald Bartholomew |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 15, 1937 Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | October 21, 2020 (aged 83) East Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | Michigan State University (BA) |
Peter Finley Secchia (born April 15, 1937 – died October 21, 2020) was an American businessman and a supporter of the Republican Party. He also served as the United States Ambassador to Italy and San Marino from 1989 to 1993.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Peter Secchia was born in Englewood, New Jersey. He grew up in a nearby town called Tenafly. He finished high school at Tenafly High School.
He started attending Michigan State University. However, he paused his studies to join the United States Marine Corps because he needed to earn money for college. He served in the Marines from 1956 to 1959. After his military service, he returned to Michigan State University and earned a degree in economics in 1963.
Career Highlights
After college, Peter Secchia became very active in the Republican Party in Michigan. He helped raise money and organize events for the party. He started as a leader for the Republican group in Kent County, Michigan. Later, he became a leader for a larger area, the 5th Congressional District of Michigan.
He was chosen to represent Michigan at the national level for the Republican Party in 1980, 1984, and 1988. He also served as a vice chairman for the national Republican Committee. He helped organize important meetings for the party.
In 1988, he was part of the national team that supported George H. W. Bush for President. He also helped with the presidential campaign for Bob Dole.
Ambassador to Italy
From 1989 to 1993, Peter Secchia served as the United States' ambassador to Italy. This meant he was the main representative for the U.S. government in Italy. He was chosen by President George H. W. Bush for this important role.
Business Ventures
Secchia was also a successful businessman. He was the CEO and chairman of the board for Universal Forest Products. This company makes parts from wood for buildings and other products.
He was also the Chairman of the River City Food Company. This company owned many restaurants, catering services, and places for banquets in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
Government Service and Awards
In 1994, the governor of Michigan, John Engler, asked Peter Secchia to lead a special group called the Secchia Commission I. This group worked on making government services better. Another group, the Secchia Commission II, looked at public sector pensions.
For his work, he received a high honor from Italy called the Cavaliere di Gran Croce, which means "The Knight of the Great Cross." He also received the Distinguished Honor Award from the United States Department of State. This award is given to ambassadors for their excellent service.
Secchia was also involved with John Cabot University in Rome for twelve years, serving on its board. He supported Italian-American events and was a founding president of a local chapter of the Order of Sons of Italy in America.
Giving Back (Philanthropy)
Peter Secchia was known for his generous donations to different causes.
In 2010, he gave $1 million to Michigan State University. This money was used to build a new stadium for the women's softball team at Old College Field. The stadium was named Secchia Stadium in his honor.
A building on the MSU College of Human Medicine campus in Grand Rapids was named after him. This building is part of a medical area called the Grand Rapids Medical Mile.
Another building at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, built in 2000, was also named after Peter Secchia.
Death
Peter Secchia passed away on October 21, 2020. He had been dealing with several health issues for months and also contracted COVID-19.
See also
In Spanish: Peter F. Secchia para niños
