Peter Arthur GREENBERG

January 20, 1944 - September 24, 2022

Devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and educator. Peter Greenberg passed away at age 78 on September 24, 2022. He was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Toba Greenberg, and his in-laws Samuel and Mary Berlin. Peter will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 51 years, Penny, his children, Joshua, Adam and Matthew, his daughters-in-law, Rachel Fabich, Tracey Greenberg and Janette Kruegel, his grandchildren, Leah, Toby, Charlie and Ellie, his brother Joel and sister-in-law Phyllis, his nieces, Jessica and Rebecca, and a large network of family and friends both near and far. Peter's professional calling was education. He joined the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board in the early 1980s as a child behavioural consultant. Peter would later serve the board as a Special Education Consultant, as Principal of Special Education, and as a school principal at Collegiate Avenue and Dundas District. Peter was always restless and kept himself busy. After only a few years of retirement, he returned to professional life as Principal of Kehila Jewish Community Day School. He was an active volunteer for the federal and provincial Liberal parties as a member of the executive for the Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale riding association. Peter served the wider Hamilton community as Chair of Hamilton Housing Help Centre (2009-22). Peter was an avid sports fan and keen observer of Canadian and international politics. He loved to travel with Penny: to the Caribbean, Florida, and particularly British Columbia and Mexico where they spent many holidays with Adam, Tracey and Ellie. Peter enjoyed thrillers, mystery novels and biographies of political leaders; he preferred The Beatles to The Stones; and he never passed on a good sipping tequila or sherried scotch. Peter's greatest passion was his family with whom he loved spending time at the cottage (his happy place). He was the love of Penny's life, and a patient father (lord knows he had to be with his "pack of animals," as he affectionately called the boys). The boys will fondly remember their dad's many roles: soccer coach, hockey coach, chef, tutor, mentor, and advocate. Peter always put his family's needs and wishes ahead of his own. Instead of enjoying summer holidays like most educators, he worked extra jobs so Penny could stay home with the boys. His most unusual side gig was as an overnight duty officer at a Brantford halfway house (a source of great stories!). Peter taught his children to be grateful for all they have, to seek joy in their lives, to advocate for those in need, to be passionate about all they do, and to be kind, generous and giving, of both their time and attention. The family is grateful to the dedicated doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, therapists, personal support workers and others at Juravinski Cancer Hospital for their care and compassion, to those who provided end of life care for Peter at home, and to the wonderful team at Margaret's Place (St. Joseph's Villa) who supported Peter in his final days. Family, friends, and former colleagues are invited to gather and share stories and memories of Peter at Circle of Life Cremation and Burial Centre, 100 King St. East., Dundas on Friday, September 30, between 10 am - Noon or 2 pm - 4 pm. (additional parking at the Air Force Club). If you wish to honour Peter, please consider a donation to Margaret's Place Hospice, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, the SPCA, or Food4Kids Hamilton.
https://www.food4kidshamilton.ca/
https://www.lls.org/
https://sjv.on.ca/hospice/