TEANECK, N.J. – Devoted alumnus and Trustee Emeritus, Vince Naimoli passed away on Sunday (Aug. 25) at the age of 81.
 
Naimoli received his MBA from FDU in 1964 and enjoyed a remarkable entrepreneurial career spanning decades, serving multiple corporations and leading many businesses to outstanding successes, all the while giving back to society through numerous philanthropic ventures.
 
Most notably, Naimoli's contributions to the University include the 2011 construction of the Naimoli Family Baseball Complex, which is home to the FDU baseball program.
 
Naimoli's impact on the baseball world is expansive as he was responsible for bringing Major League Baseball to the Tampa, Florida, region, founding the Tampa Bay Rays and serving as managing general partner and CEO for the franchise's first decade.
 
"The hearts of the FDU Knights Family are very heavy today upon learning of the passing of the great Vince Naimoli," remarked FDU Director of Athletics Bradford Hurlbut. "He was a terrific man and a wonderful friend to our baseball program in Teaneck as well as the University as a whole. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Lenda and the entire Naimoli family during this sad time."   
 
Naimoli received degrees from several universities including the University of Notre Dame where he graduated with his bachelor of science in 1959. He completed his master's of science in mechanical engineering at NJIT in 1962 before attending FDU. He later went on to complete the advanced management program at Harvard Business School in 1974.
 
Among his career highlights, Naimoli was a leader at several companies and served as CEO of three Fortune 500 companies simultaneously. As one of the business world's top turnaround experts, he was voted Florida Entrepreneur of the Year in the turnaround category.
 
Naimoli, who was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, is survived by his wife, Lenda (who has an identical twin, Glenda); four daughters: Christine, Tory Ann, Alyson and Lindsey; and several grandchildren.