Add a Memory
Plant Trees
Make a Donation
Peter Benjamin Lewis
1933 - 2013
Peter Benjamin Lewis
1933 - 2013
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1933
DIED
2013
Peter Lewis Obituary
Peter Benjamin Lewis beloved husband of Janet Rosel Lewis. Loving father of Ivy Beth Lewis, Jonathan Lewis and Adam Joseph (Melony) Lewis. Devoted grandfather of Ariel, Dakota and Augusta Powell, Max Peter Lewis and Benjamin Malouf Lewis. Dear brother of Daniel (Jan) Lewis and the late Connie Lewis Miller and Max Jonathan Lewis and step brother of Jack (Marilyn) Bialosky and the late Mina (Don) Wirtshafter. Loving lifelong friend and former husband of Toby Devan Lewis. Cherished son of the late Helen and Joseph Lewis. Adored uncle to many nieces and nephews. Services will be held Tuesday November 26 at 2:00PM at THE TEMPLE-TIFERETH ISRAEL UNIVERSITY CIRCLE AND SILVER PARK. Interment Mayfield Cemetery. Family will receive friends FOLLOWING THE INTERMENT UNTIL 7:00PM at the Peter B. Lewis Bldg/ Weatherhead School of Management, 11119 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland, OH. Friends who wish may contribute to the Progressive Organization of one's choice or to your own alma mater you dearly love.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 20, 2014
I attended a memorial exhibition unveiling today for Peter B. People shared stories of the great man and how he impacted their lives. Most importantly, it was shared how we, as employees, carry on his wish that we continue to risk, learn and grow, as well as continue to uphold the core values. Mr. Lewis is missed very much. My thoughts will be with his family as the somber anniversary of his passing nears. He was such an incredible man.
Troy Fuller
December 9, 2013
I am extremely grateful for all the work that Peter has done for the Greater Cleveland community. He remains a great inspiration in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with him.
Janet Carson-Flamini
December 6, 2013
Peter was one of the most inspirational leaders I have ever known. His quick mind, transparency, compassion and passion left a mark on each individual that crossed his path. He will be missed by the world. I felt privileged to have known him. My thoughts go out to Janet and the rest of his family.
Marilyn D
December 6, 2013
To Peter B's friends and family, my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I'll never forget, many years ago, when a group of Progressive employees were invited to a meet & greet at his condo here in Beachwood. He and Janet stood at the door and greeted every person as they entered, and Pete made sure he caught each person's name. It was an extra special look into the extraordinary man he was! He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on and on and on… Joy, Love and Rest in Peace Pete
How you can show support
Victoria Trimboly
December 6, 2013
Peter, you were a great friend. . to me & my daughter. . Michelle. You will always be in my prayers. . .My prayers are with you & your family. ..May your soul rest in peace. . Love, Vikki Trimbolyjavascript:void(0);
Jim Stafford
December 5, 2013
Having worked at Progressive now for 19 years, I knew Peter from a distance but, none the less, felt I knew him well. He gave the gift of himself everyday through his generosity, his honesty and his passion for living. I feel very fortunate and hope that his family knows how much he was loved and will be missed. With deep sorrow, Jim Stafford
December 3, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to Peter B's family. I have worked for Progressive for 14 years and have had the opportunity of seeing him in the halls of Progressive and the cafeteria. He was always friendly and made you feel welcome. He will be missed but his legacy will live on here.
Stephanie (employee)Highland Heights
Johnny Walthers
December 2, 2013
My prayers and thoughts are with you,John,Ivy and Adam.Your family welcomed me into your home for sleepovers as a child in Shaker Heights.I will always remember the kindness and warmth extended to me,and those thoughts are shared with you now.
~Employee
November 29, 2013
Peter B. Lewis
Philanthropist,Passionate,Progressive
Brilliant,Blissful,Brave
Leader,Limitless,Loving
May your soul rest eternally.
Joy, Love, Peace
Judy Keicher
November 27, 2013
I wanted to express my love and sympathy for Jonathan, Adam & Ivy. Peter was a very special person who touched my life profoundly. When someone touches our life for good, it is not diminished by time or distance. I am so sorry for your loss. I'll miss him.
November 27, 2013
I have been very blessed to have worked at such a great company as Progressive for so many years. I am truly thankful for the way Peter treated his employees; and provided such a terrific workplace to be. He will be greatly missed by us all. Cathy(employee) Mayfield
November 26, 2013
Law School was a pleasure attending PBL classes in the 50,s.
Deepest sympathies to the family.
JTB, Henderson, NV
Tammy Copeland
November 26, 2013
My heart goes out to the family. Mr Lewis was a great man. I am truly greatful to just be apart of an work environment that he created that has given so many people an chance to do something they love. Progressive is not just a job but a family. I will truly miss him! God Bless! Tammy Copeland
November 26, 2013
Thinking of you all (Ivy, Jonathan & Adam) and sending much love and condolences your way during this time of sorrow. Your extraordinary father touched SO many lives .. family, friends, employees, cities, museums, foundations & most importantly our hearts. Lots to celebrate!
Casey & Jamie Bankhurst
Barb (Employee)
November 26, 2013
Peter B - We here on earth have lost a human being that walked to a different drummer and made us all realize to enjoy life in every way,to grow, to embrace Joy,Love, and Peace. His smile was contagious and always there for everyone.
Yolanda Williams
November 26, 2013
Sending my condolences to the Lewis family. Peter B provided a way of life for so many people and I will forever be grateful for that. He was such a kind, caring and special person who touched my heart. He will be so greatly missed. God's Blessing !
November 26, 2013
Although I have never met Mr. Lewis, I walk through the Progressive halls and you can feel the spirit he envoked. Kindness, compassion, and hard working people and a wealth of knowledge from every corner. What he built is an empire for all of us to continue on in his name. Thank you, Mr. Lewis, for raising that bar that we continuously reach for every day. We are all better people because of him. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Marisa Ianiro
November 26, 2013
Peter, though you are no longer with us, your spirit will live on in the lives of the people you have touched. Thank you for your kindess and for being genuinely You! ....It is a priviledge working for a such a great company that you have held so close to your heart...I hope I've done you proud....Rest in Peace, Peter B.....>God Bless.....
C. Severo
November 26, 2013
To the Lewis Family
I did not know Peter Lewis personally, but always admired his love and appreciation for "Art." He truly cared and loved it. I can relate to his love of art and art collection. Thank you Mr. Lewis for supporting art and the arts. GOD Bless
November 26, 2013
I knew Peter from Camp Roosevelt, Roxboro elementary and junior high and Heights. What a guy - what a leader. I am so glad I had the opportunity to know him. He will be missed. My sympathies, Toby.
Buzz Rosenfeld
Lisa
November 26, 2013
"Peter B" you were certainly one of a kind! I had a great deal of respect for you! Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. You will be missed.
Lisa (Progressive employee)
November 26, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the Lewis Family at this difficult time. Peace and Blessings to you all.
-D. Talley
Brett O
November 26, 2013
My condolences to the family. Peter will be sorely missed. I always think back to when I started at work, I would see him regulalry in the halls, the gym, you never knew when you might see him again. It's sad to know we won't be seeing him anymore. Rest in Peace Peter B.
Denise Coster
November 26, 2013
Rest in Peace Peter B. Lewis. Thank you so much for making Progressive the best company I have ever worked for in my life! I have learned so much & made life long friendships within the Progressive family over the last 16 years. I will be forever grateful and will fondly remember you & the amazing company you built. My deepest sympathy to all of your family & friends. Joy, Love and Peace.
Linda Ellis
November 26, 2013
Thinking of you, Peter B., and thanking you for providing employment for so many thousands of people, like myself, over so many years.
May you now rest in eternal peace and forever free from pain.
Expressing my deepest sympathy to your family and friends.
Jackie Pangonis
November 26, 2013
Thank you, Peter B. For building a company that is built on compassion for our fellow man. I have learned so much through the years by the example you set, by the values you embrace.
You will be sorely missed. And always remembered.
Joy, Love, Peace
November 26, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Peter Lewis' family and friends.
Peter was a very unique man who built a company that made people the most important asset. I am honored to have met him a handful of times and proud to have worked at Progressive for my entire career.
He made a difference. At Progressive. And in the world. He will be truly missed. And always remembered.
November 26, 2013
The Lewis Family is in my thoughts and prayers.
L A Raber
November 26, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Lewis family.
Peter was a such a kind, creative, approachable and generous man. He made you want to strive for more than you thought you were capable of.
I had heard stories about the wonderful boss at Progressive and when I got hired I understood why people came to work here and why they didn't want to leave. He will be missed always.
Phyllis Durdella 15 year Progressive employee
Carla Grant
November 26, 2013
My condolences to your family, in the tiem of a great loss. I have only been with the company for a short time, but come to love the message that Peter B. Lewis wanted Progressive to learn and execute. May my thoughts and prayers be with your family
-Carla M. Grant, MBA
Jackie Meadon
November 26, 2013
My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Peter B. He was truly an inspiration for all of us in his Progressive family.
Patricia Scott
November 26, 2013
To the family of Peter Lewis. I am so truly sorry for your loss. Peter was such a kind, gracious and passionate man. Many wish for the days of when he strolled around Progressive. Such a spirit. May peace be with you during your time of grief. Joy, Love and Peace!
Janine Z.
November 26, 2013
Peter B. was a phenomenal man. My deepest sympathies go out to his familly. It has been my honor and privilege to be a part of the company that he shaped.
Billie Robinson
November 26, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family. Peter was a great man.
November 26, 2013
I am so very proud and honored to have worked for a very extraordinary man. What Peter has done with Progressive is just absolutely amazing and it has been such a blessing to work for this amazing company for 16 years. Peter's legacy will live on in each and every one of us forever and ever. To the Lewis family, my heart and prayers are with you. God Bless you…
TaSanta Stevens, Cleveland, Ohio
Ruby Watkins
November 26, 2013
Dear Peter, you taught me well as not just an employee, but someone to whom you showed respect..The many conversations we held while my tenure at Progressive and beyond..People identify you as a "risk taker", but I identify you as one who believed in what you could not see that was real..You walked by faith, not by sight and challenged others to walk in your footsteps..I remember all of the days of Halloween at Progressive and how you would visit each location sharing in laughter at the costumes..You were a swimming pool one year and dared everyone to take a swim in your pool of life in taking leaps of faith..I told you I would keep praying for you, and over all these many years, I have..May your soul be at rest in the arms of your Beloved..
November 26, 2013
My condolences to the Lewis family. May you be comforted in this hour of sorrow.
Willie A Pope
Donna Wassil
November 26, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the Lewis Family. Peter, thank you for all you have done for us! Your kindess will be missed. May you RIP!
Rob Fisher
November 26, 2013
A great man who will be truley missed.
Rob Fisher from Progressive Ins
Patty Brady
November 26, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the family. Such an amazing man - his legacy will live on. He will be missed.
Marcy Gray
November 25, 2013
I am so honored to have worked with Peter over the years. He inspired us, set a very high bar, motivated us, and took time to celebrate our accomplishments. Whether it was a hand written note from him, a response to an email we sent to him, saying Hi to us at the gym, or merely knowing our name, he had a way of making us feel special and appreciated. His leadership style embodied working hard and playing hard, as he once led a marching band through the office or dressed up as the geisha girl for Halloween. Peter left a rich legacy to Progressive and to Cleveland. He impacted the lives of so many and his memory will live on through the art collection and many philanthropic causes.
November 25, 2013
What a wonderful leader, Progressive and Cleveland will never be the same. My deepest sympathy, know that he will always be with you.
Peter's Progressive family wraps their arms around you and share in your sadness. He will be missed.
Betty
Gloria Lowery
November 25, 2013
May God continue to Bless the family of Peter B. Lewis during this tremendous loss, and always be with each and every one of them.
Jim
November 25, 2013
He will be missed!! Truly a great man!!!!!!
November 25, 2013
My deepest sympathies. I was so blessed to work at Progressive when Peter was our leader. He was truly visionary and modeled working hard and smart. Yet he had a very soft spot in his heart giving Sweetest Day presents and always ready to throw a party to celebrate. We will miss you Peter. You were an inspiration to so many of us. Karen Hogarth
Diane
November 25, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the entire Lewis family. A visionary like Peter is never forgotten. May you find comfort in knowing that as you mourn, thousands mourn with you and are thinking about you. It's been an honor to have worked for and learned from such a great man!
Joy, Love and Peace!
Ruth Desmond
November 25, 2013
My deepest sympathy. He will be missed greatly.
Joy, Love and Peace
Ruth Desmond; 17 years at Progressive
Betsy Krohngold
November 25, 2013
Toby, Ivy, John, and Adam - My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. He was an amazing man. Betsy Krohngold
November 25, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the Lewis family. I was blessed to have known Peter in my many years working at Progressive. He was truly an exceptional person who will be missed by everyone.
Joe Gullo
November 25, 2013
Thank you for your generous gifts. A Cleveland icon will be missed.
Suzanne Fisher
November 25, 2013
Toby, Ivy, Jonathan, Adam
Thinking of all of you and wishing I could be at the service. Peter lived such a remarkable life and championed so many wonderful causes. I know your lives are forever changed and hope you find peace in time. Sending love.
Kim
November 25, 2013
Mr. Lewis was an amazing person, and I consider it an honor to have worked for him. He will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved him.
Cathy(Cookie) Maxin
November 25, 2013
Peter B Lewis has shaped my career in the Insurance Industry. I have learned a great deal from working at Progressive for 20 years. I feel my success is because of Peter and his vision of growth within the company and the employees. My sympathy goes out to all his family and friends. His legacy will live on.
William Anderson
November 25, 2013
Peter B. was one of the most complex characters that I ever met. I owe him and the culture he created a debt of gratitude for instilling in me the ability to try to do great things.
Cynthia Craig
November 25, 2013
To the Lewis Family and Friends;
I am truly sorry to hear of Peter's passing. May the the legacy he has left be a source of comfort at that this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results
1985 South Taylor Road, Cleveland, OH 44118
Make a Donation
in Peter Lewis's name
How to support Peter's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Peter Lewis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
