Top Stories » Headlines » People

Paul Logiudice, who worked more than 24 years at Calphalon, passed away Sept. 20. He was 52.

Almost 30 years ago, he started his kitchen housewares career in retail, working as a manager for a gourmet specialty shop and then became a housewares sales representative. Those early experiences, as well as a role designing for trade shows, allowed him to realize his true passion for product development and design. In 1987, Logiudice began working for the Commercial Aluminum Cookware Company, known today as Calphalon. Logiudice proceeded to spend the rest of his career building, expanding and cultivating the Calphalon brand. His gift for design eventually earned him the responsibility of director of product design in 1995.

According to a statement from Calphalon, Logiudice "always brought the perfect combination of performance and style to the kitchen.” His influence over product design led to many inventions and 27 patents, including the Cool-V handle, the first stainless steel cookware handle designed to stay cool on the stovetop. His designs influenced every category, including cookware, bakeware, gadgets and kitchen electrics. Logiudice was recognized for his successes and received the Newell Rubbermaid Award in 1999, after Calphalon was acquired.

Logiudice’s influence did not end with product design; he also created partnerships within the retail community. He designed a store-within-a-store concept for department stores. He also led the introduction of Calphalon at Target.

Among his many accomplishments, Logiudice was a gifted artist, prolific inventor, a generous friend, and active in the International Association of Culinary Professionals. He was a pioneer and chairman of the Newell Rubbermaid employee resource group OPEN (Out and Proud for Equality at Newell-Rubbermaid). In his memory, there has been a fund established in his name for Youth Pride Inc., an organization which provides critical services to create a safe haven for LGBTQQ youth.

Another one of his many passions was gardening, and plans are in place to create a memorial in his honor at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.  If interested in making a donation, please mail check to the attention of:

Newell-Rubbermaid - Calphalon
Attn: Christine Scott
3 Glen Lake Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30328

*Make Check Payable to: Atlanta Botanical Garden. Memo/For: Paul Angelo Loguidice Endowment.