Written on: March 31, 2025 by ICM
Peter Carini, a leader in the oil and gas industry, passed away peacefully on March 22, in Boca Raton, FL, at the age of 87.
Carini’s began his career working for a small heating oil company founded by his father in Brooklyn, NY. He took a loan to purchase The Whale Company (Whaleco), and then transformed it into one of the largest petroleum retailing corporations in the Northeast. After selling the company, he founded The PJC Group, Inc., a venture capital and manufacturing firm. In 1993, The PJC Group acquired Champion Energy Corp. from Merrill Lynch, which he led as Chairman & CEO.
Deeply committed to the advancement of the heating oil industry, Carini served as President of the New York Heating Oil Association and was a director of several petroleum organizations. Through his work with the National Oil Research Alliance (NORA), he championed cleaner, more efficient fuel technology, testifying before congress and passionately at industry events. His contributions earned him the honor of being named Man of the Year by the Metropolitan Energy Council in 1996.
Carini was actively involved with the National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI), and helped to steer the industry’s transition to ultra-low sulfur heating oil (ULSHO).
“Peter was one of the industry veterans who generously spent the time to help me learn the ropes when I first came on board at NEFI 20 years ago,” said Jim Collura, NEFI President & CEO.
“His top priority was to ensure the industry thrived, and as such he was always very engaged in our government affairs efforts.
Carini is survived by his wife Carol; seven children; 15 grandchildren; three stepsons; and six step grandchildren. He is predeceased by his beloved stepson, Nicholas Rattenni.
