Joseph ‘Joe’ F. Paquette, Jr.

Joseph F. (Joe) Paquette, Jr. of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, died on August 21, 2024, at his home. Following Yale, Joe began his career in the electric utility industry as a Junior Engineer with Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO) followed by several promotions ending as Vice President of Finance and Accounting in 1978. In 1986, Joe left PECO for a position as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Consumers Power Company (CPC), Jackson, Michigan. In his two years with that firm, he rose to be President of the company’s parent, CMS Energy Company, and President and Chief Operating Officer of CPC. He returned to PECO in March,1988, to be its President and a month later became its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. His leadership helped guide the company through difficult years of restructuring and cost cutting earning him the nickname “Joe Paycut.” He retired in 1997 as Chairman of the Board. Throughout his career, Joe was active in the community serving as Chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Director of Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, and many others. He also served as Chairman of the Edison Electric Institute and as a Director of several other industry and not for profit organizations.