Peter Anthony Jr.

Peter Anthony Jr., 62, of Mount Dora, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, at AdventHealth Waterman Hospital. Born on October 3, 1963, in Miami, Florida, Peter lived a life marked by creativity, faith, and deep devotion to his family and community.

Peter was the firstborn child of Pete and Sheila Perez, born to a Cuban father and a Canadian mother. As the oldest, he proudly embraced his role as protector and guide to his three younger sisters, Tracie, Jennifer, and Jackie, who lovingly called him "Petey" and adored him like a second father. Family was central to his life, from childhood summers spent traveling to New York and Canada, camping, and making memories, to the many ways he continued to show up for those he loved.

In high school, watching the movie Grease ignited Peter's passion for entertaining. Inspired by John Travolta, he quickly gained attention for his natural talent, eventually earning a scholarship to a dance studio-marking the beginning of his professional journey. Though he once dreamed of becoming an architect, a football injury redirected his path toward a flourishing career in dance, acting and modeling. He went on to work in television, commercials, and live productions as an actor, dancer, model and choreographer.

Peter met his wife, Margaret, in a dance company. They married in 1988 at St. Augustine Church in Miami and were nearing 37 years together. After Hurricane Andrew, the family relocated to Orlando, where Peter worked as a dance captain at Walt Disney World's Beauty and the Beast. True partners in life and business, they opened Spotlight Dance Center in 1995, which became a creative home and rehearsal facility for countless performers, including *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys.

Peter's greatest joy was being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was deeply devoted to his children, Joshua Anthony and Sophia Burke, and treasured his grandchildren, Cecilia and Monica. He eagerly awaited the arrival of his third grandchild, Baby Lila, due this May.

A man of deep faith, Peter began each day with Scripture, cherished the Divine Mercy devotion, and carried a rosary ring with him always. His faith was reflected in his kindness, generosity, and ability to make others feel truly seen.

Peter passed away from complications of cardiac arrest, believed to be caused by a rare electrical disturbance in his heart. He was surrounded by family, prayer, and love, and received Last Rites and the Apostolic Pardon before his passing.

If Peter could leave one final message, it would be this: trust in God, stay joyful, and know that everything will be okay. And with a smile, he might add, kick, ball, change… and a pas de bourrée off stage right.

He will be remembered for his warmth, creativity, faith, and the way he made everyone feel they mattered.