Enrique J. Paula

Enrique J. Paula, 94, of Oriental, North Carolina, passed away September 27, 2026, peacefully surrounded by family. Born March 18, 1932, in Havana, Cuba, Enrique lived a life marked by devotion to those he loved, courage and enterprise.

Enrique was predeceased by his first wife, Olga F. Paula. Together, they raised their three sons, who survive them – Henry (Paula), Fred (Lisa) and Edward.

Enrique studied accounting at the University of Havana. By 1962, when he and his family fled Castro’s regime to the US, Enrique had already become part-owner of one of the biggest consumer finance companies in Cuba. He initially took his family to northern New Jersey and immediately went looking for a job using his broken English. In 1964, he began working for a new bacon manufacturing company in Wilmington, NC, and soon became part-owner and president. He also purchased two previously popular restaurants in Wilmington, usually working in one of the restaurants until very late after finishing at the bacon plant. Notwithstanding how busy he was, it seemed Enrique never missed his sons’ sports events. He was tireless. Most of all, Enrique never stopped being grateful to the United States and its people for all the opportunities they gave him and his family.

Following Olga’s passing, Enrique found companionship again and married Nancy Torres, who lovingly survives him. Nancy was “God-sent” to Enrique, taking care of him through the challenges of aging after he finally retired at age 79 and they moved permanently to Oriental. Enrique and Nancy loved Oriental where they were made to feel welcome by their neighbors and St. Peter The Fisherman Catholic Church.

Enrique is also survived by five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren who brought him great joy throughout his long life. He will be remembered for his resilience, his devotion to family, and the remarkable journey that carried him from Cuba to North Carolina—building a legacy of love, hard work and entrepreneurship. Services will be held at St. Peter The Fisherman Catholic Church at 1149 White Farm Road Oriental NC 28571 on Monday, October 5 beginning with a visitation with the family at 12:30 and followed by a funeral Mass at 1:30 pm. In addition, Enrique’s final resting place will also be at Saint Peter The Fisherman following the Mass and the services will be followed by light refreshments and fellowship to Celebrate A Life Well Lived. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the CarolinaEast Foundation for the Journey of Hope Cancer Support Fund, 2007B Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 28560, who lovingly assisted Enrique during his journey.

Please consider sharing this with anyone you know that will want to know about Enrique's passing - here in Pamlico County or in the Wilmington area - it would be greatly appreciated by the family.