Peter James Beshara

Peter James Beshara was born on November 23, 1953 to Peter and Dorothy Beshara. The fifth of eight children Peter came into the world with a zeal and energy that remained a constant in his life. Peter was many things; talented, athletic, charismatic, handsome, and most often larger than life. He was a winner in the truest sense, striving always for perfection and embracing the challenge and fight. That was his victory. No greater victory did he achieve than this last great battle – railing against it from the beginning and as he has done so many times before – beating the odds set down in front of him over and over again.
Peter loved to talk, tell stories, debate, and yes lecture often. His lectures were legendary and most often invited. When the question was asked by family and friends, "Did you talk to Peter today?" with laughter and joyfulness the answers came back the same – "I mostly listened." He was a great orator; brilliant and benevolent in his beliefs, assured and well versed. His strong and reverberating voice exuded the same strength with which he lived his life.
Peter was a ferocious competitor. He played to win. The ferocity of his spirit, and his pursuit of excellence was evident in his bowling and his beloved baseball. Later, however, his true love became football and there was no more loyal Lion's fan than him. He shared this enthusiasm with people he loved, eclectic groups of friends and family sat next to him in that glorious arena. Watching him was sometimes better than watching the game. He was determined, even as his health dramatically failed, to make it to the NFL draft, and he did. With Adam and David by his side he achieved yet another victory.
Among all his talents, traits and gifts; the real essence of Peter was his capacity to love. He loved unconditionally, soulfully, and totally. He loved as he lived – with an indomitable strength and fervor that provided an armor, protection, and unyielding presence to the benefactors of his love. Thirty years ago, Peter met and fell in love with Diane, his soulmate and match. He called her his "dark-haired beauty." Happily and with ease, he married that beauty and she became his "wonderful wife." Through these thirty years their adventure fulfilled dreams, withstood challenges, fraught laughter and created a million memories. Love never diverted, it was her hand he sought even in those last precious moments.
Peter's love enveloped his children. He was their soldier and protector, advisor and advocate. He welcomed his son, Adam, with great pride and reverence so often referring to him as "my sweet boy." Watching him grow, sharing interests, and beaming as he graduated and joined the legal profession as an attorney. Their trips together were among his favorite memories. As the other children grew, Peter relished in the moments that Bobby, Danny and Timmy saw him as confidant and counselor. Tim recalled how Peter "Helped me build confidence, taught me to love language and writing and gave me a voice." Danny viewed Peter as a symbol of strength, a gentleman, and a staunch example of unflinching loyalty to family. Bobby saw him, not as a stepdad, but as real dad in word and action. He was the quintessential "daddy" with Ashley and Summer, his "baby girls." Absolutely no one raised their voices, chastised them, or gave them a tough time; not on his watch. Graduations, marriages, new daughters and sons-in law, new homes and especially grandchildren – these were his badges of honor. When he and Diane gathered their large brood together, these were Peter's happiest and most contented moments.
Peter loved his siblings, loved the shared history, inside jokes, camaraderie and connection of this large, tight-knit family. Peter spent much of his childhood in the homes of his older siblings, Jean, Marcia, and Jack playing with nieces and nephews no older than he was. These were moments of laughter, unity and love that served as a foundation for how he would lead and love his own family. He revered his older sister Carole, saw her as a second mother, friend, and problem solver. Banter with Janice became his morning starter, and they remained buddies as they had been as small children. He mentored and watched over his little brother, Bobby; they were each other's touchstone. Peter made Roger and Michael his brothers and never let an opportunity go by to express his love and respect for them. Travel, cruising and countless dinners, holidays, and celebrations brought their families together. Peter loved initiating the toasts during these precious times. He mourned the loss of so many of those brothers and sisters; Jean, Marcia, Jack, Jimmy, and Bobby that now welcome him into their loving embrace.
He was a staple in the lives of nephews and nieces, present in their daily lives, an attentive listener to their dreams and worries. Uncle Peter was a tough guy, sturdy and yet compassionate. He was dogmatic and realistic, and yet a big dreamer. He dreamt not only for himself, but for others whom he always encouraged to reach higher and accomplish more. Always the voice that said, "You can do this, don't let anything stop you."
Peter loved his second family – the people he worked with for so many years. They were far more than just colleagues. He found great pride in his work and accomplishments. Regaled many stories of friendships, experiences and unprecedented work ethic and support. Their love and kindness were returned to him many times over, especially these last two years.
Those who knew him best can picture his gestures; the tilt of his head, emphatic hands that accentuated his speech. They recognize the true "Peterisms." "Hold on, hold on a minute, listen to me, do you hate money, that's a hard no," and so many more. These will resound in our memories, and we will smile and at the same time mourn that we will not hear them again.
Peter loved God and had an unwavering faith. He had an unabashed humility and penchant for prayer. His spirit was big, and his heart bigger.
Peter was not a perfect man, he was, however, a man who loved perfectly, who desired respect and bestowed respect on others. He will be remembered as a champion who leaves an indelible mark on all our lives. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."