Dr. Jacques Orofino, Dedicated Dentist and Organ Donation Advocate, Dies at 68
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A passionate advocate for organ donation and a respected figure in the dental community, Dr. Jacques Orofino, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, during a stay in La Clusaz. He was 68 years old. Orofino’s life was marked by a commitment to both his profession and a profound generosity of spirit, leaving a lasting legacy in Provence and beyond.
A Life Rooted in Family and Education
Born in 1955 into a large family, Jacques Orofino received his early education at Saint-Joseph Les Jésuites in Avignon. He pursued his passion for medicine at the faculty of medicine, culminating in a doctorate in odontological sciences in 1987. He subsequently established a dental practice in Miramas alongside Dr. Jean Héraud, where he served his community for decades.
It was during his university years that he met Nicole, who would become his wife and with whom he built a family comprised of three children and six grandchildren. Beyond his professional life, Orofino was a devoted family man and a man of diverse interests. He was a keen sportsman, enjoying both water sports and skiing, and a music enthusiast who founded the music group Zboubn’fly, serving as its vocalist.
Leadership in Dentistry and a Commitment to Continuing Education
Dr. Orofino was highly regarded by his peers, a testament to his skill and dedication. He was elected to the departmental council of the order of dental surgeons, serving multiple terms and demonstrating a commitment to professional standards. Recognizing the importance of ongoing learning, he founded the Provence odontological circle, an organization dedicated to the continuing training of practitioners.
The Legacy of “Maryse pour la Vie”
A pivotal moment in Orofino’s life came in 2003 with the passing of his friend, Maryse Lecat, while she awaited a life-saving transplant. Driven by this loss, he and Jacques Lecat co-founded the “Maryse pour la vie” association. For two decades, Orofino tirelessly organized demonstrations and awareness campaigns to increase organ donation rates and provide hope to those on transplant waiting lists.
This vital mission continues today through the Stade Marseille University Club (Smuc). He also actively participated in the steering committee of the Marseille-Cassis race and contributed to the Cassidian social environment, further demonstrating his commitment to community involvement.
Final Farewell
Provence mourns the loss of Dr. Orofino, extending heartfelt condolences to his family. A religious funeral will be held at the Saint-Michel church in Cassis on Wednesday, February 4, at 10 a.m., offering a final opportunity to celebrate the life of a man who touched so many.
