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Peter Strauss Obituary
His life was exceptional, and his legacy is profound. Peter flourished for five decades in the film industry, with over 30 producing credits and involvement in dozens more feature films. Peter was also a visionary and entrepreneurial real estate investor. Generous, gracious, and compassionate, Peter's commitment to philanthropy was as constant as it was understated. He was a dedicated mentor to scores of younger people.
Born and raised in Chicago, Peter graduated from Oberlin College, studied at the London School of Economics, and received a law degree from Columbia University. He was a longtime member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Peter was a lifelong Francophile, an avid art collector and inveterate traveler. His favorite places to be found were reading scripts on the beach in Malibu, skiing in Aspen and exploring the world with friends.
Peter is survived by his cherished wife of 46 years, the former Susan Rausnitz, devoted son Jonathan and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Westlake, adoring grandchildren Teddy and Caroline, mother-in-law Vera Rausnitz, brother-in-law Gerry Rausnitz, generations of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins in the Heller, Goldberg, and Rausnitz families, and a constellation of loyal friends and proteges. A private graveside service was held on October 8. A celebration of his extraordinary life will take place on November 10.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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