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Peter Arris Margaritis
Peter Arris Margaritis
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Peter Margaritis Obituary
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He was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on December 6, 1960, to parents Michael and Pauline Margaritis. He was their first child and the start of their family dream. Later, he was joined by his siblings Steve and Stacie. He was first a great son and then the big brother anyone would be lucky to have.
Graduating from the University of Kentucky in 1982, Pete was, and will forever be, a Wildcat. Continuing to later earn his Master's degree in Accounting from Case Western University. Though accomplished in college, Pete would be the first to say that when all was said and done, he was a lousy accountant. He excelled at connecting with people and helping others find their ability to do so. His career took many paths, including his time as Chairman of the Ohio Society of CPAs Executive Board; his connection to people, and his love of Improv took him to where he belonged. As a speaker, a teacher, and a coach. Pete published three books on how to utilize improvisation in the business world, providing tools to help navigate change and improve interactions in the workplace through improvisation.
Pete married Mary in September of 1995, finding in each other a best friend and a partner in life and all its adventures. They proudly welcomed their son Stephen in June of 2000. Peter was immediately captivated. He was a doting father and was so proud of the young man Stephen was becoming. Preceded in death by his parents, Pete leaves behind his beloved Mary, his son, Stephen, his siblings Steve and Stacie, his adored dogs, MJ and Sophie, and many friends and colleagues. Touching many people's lives, Pete will be remembered most for his loyalty to friends and family and for the way he would make you feel like the most important person in the world when you had his attention. While not long enough, his life was well lived.
Wherever he is now, and whoever is there to greet him, undoubtedly he is ready with a "Yes! and ".
17 Entries
David Veech
April 16, 2025
So sad to hear of Peter's passing. He was such a bright light. I met him and got to know him through the National Speakers Association and he and the other officers of the Ohio Chapter welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like part of the family. We had a blast when I was a guest on his podcast and he was so generous with his time and wisdom. We will miss him, but we will always have a reason to smile at his memory.
Robin Thieme
March 30, 2025
Dear Mary, Stephen and the rest of the family and friends that have suffered this great loss, I just logged in to my email to see the words..."Remembering Pete Margaritis..." and I was immediately in shock/surprised to see those words.
I was one of, I would guess, 100's, possibly in the 1000's, of admirers and colleagues of Pete's within the accounting community.
I loved speaking with Pete, when we had a chance. He was a big supporter. a thoughtful advisor and a fantastic, inspiring teacher.
As some of the posts acknowledged, Pete was a intensely enthusiastic life long learner, and his premature loss will leave many missing a dear family member, friend and for me, colleague from the accounting industry.
Extending sympathies to those much closer to Pete.
Robin Thieme
one of my convos with Pete - https://petermargaritis.com/s2e30/
Julie Stefanick
March 27, 2025
Mary, I am so sorry to hear. Sending love and hugs to you and Stephen and your family. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Craig Watters
March 27, 2025
I worked with Peter at OSU. His office was two away from mine. Morning polite greetings soon became jokes and laughs and counseling on bourbons.
Peter, you leave an empty space here with me. I can try to fill it with some memories and bourbon...but it ain´t the same. Rest easy
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Paula and Richard Daedelow
March 26, 2025
Our heartfelt condolences to Mary and Stephen. We´re thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Ward Richards
March 25, 2025
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news about Pete. It´s hard to believe someone so full of life is no longer with us.
Pete and I were good friends for a very long time. We grew up together in Meadowthorpe neighborhood, attended Leestown Jr. High and Lafayette together before I moved to Mercer County as a sophomore. We continued to see each other periodically in high school at a concert or sporting event, and then became very close friends again in college. We were both in the business school at UK, and Pete was one of the main reasons I joined Theta Chi fraternity. He ultimately became my big brother in the fraternity and we remained very close friends after he left Theta Chi through the time we graduated, and for a time thereafter while we were both still living in Lexington.
While our careers ultimately took us in different directions and to different states, it was always a true joy to reconnect with him at a UK homecoming, reunion, a Cats game, or just receive a message from him on Facebook. Over the years, I always kept abreast of his many successes through mutual friends and family.
Pete was a friend in the truest sense of the word. Always there when you needed him, with encouragement, support, love, and his wonderful sense of humor that would brighten even the darkest day. I will miss him dearly and this world has lost an incredibly bright light and spirit. His family and friends will remain in my thoughts and prayers, and the fondness of his memory will live forever in my heart. My deepest condolences.
Ward Richards
Donna Malarkey
March 25, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Peter. He was a kind soul he lived to bring a smile to others. His devotion to the CPAFMA community was remarkable and endearing. He is missed. Condolences to the family and friends he left behind.
Donna Malarkey
Alexandria, VA
Andrea D. Campbell
March 24, 2025
I was saddened (and shocked) to learn of Peter's passing while scrolling social media. I've only known him for a short period of time but he definitely left an impression on some many. He was one of the first people I met when I attended Ohio's National Speakers Association meeting. His humor drew people in. It was great getting to know him. Peter, may your soul rest in peace. And to the family and all who loved him, my sincere condolences to you. May your precious memories of him be salve to your broken heart.
Amy Klees
March 24, 2025
I really enjoyed getting to know Peter over the past 6 years that I worked for him. He was always a joy to talk to and brightened my day with his special brand of humor. He will be greatly missed.
Lori Firsdon
March 24, 2025
I was saddened to hear of Peter's passing. He was such a talented, funny and personable person. I often spoke with him at our speaker meetings and he brought much joy.
He spoke fondly of his family, who I know will miss him dearly.
Peter you left us too soon, but you will never be forgotten. Continue to spread you smile with your newfound wings.
Lillian Zarzar
March 24, 2025
My condolences to the family. As a past president of our NSA Ohio family, he brought joy and laughter to our association. Peter "nailed it" with his special nail in a 2x4 as a gift for everyone's contribution! What a sense of humor. I was fortunate to obtain his book and read his words of wisdom. He will be missed. Peter, may you rest in peace as you stay with us in spirit and our hearts.
Patrick Donadio
March 24, 2025
Peter will be greatly missed by the National Speakers Association community. His enthusiasm and energy made many people laugh and smile. I was honored to call him a friend and colleague. He was past president of the NSA Ohio Chapter and earned the CSP, the highest designation in the speaking profession. Peter, may you rest in peace.
Patrick Donadio
March 24, 2025
Peter will be greatly missed by the National Speakers Association community. His enthusiasm and energy made many people laugh and smile. I was honored to call him a friend and to be a guest on his podcast.He was president of the NSA Ohio Chapter and earned the CSP, the highest designation in the speaking profession. Here's a photo of us at a national NSA meeting. Peter, may you rest in peace.
Patrick Donadio
March 24, 2025
Don Tomoff
March 24, 2025
So saddened to hear this news. I met Pete in 2019 as a speaker and he quickly became a close friend. Pete´s energy, attitude and willingness to help anyone was remarkable. He will be dearly missed. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family.
Jay Sukow
March 22, 2025
You will be missed. You have done a lot of good for a lot of people.
Tony Emanuel
March 21, 2025
Rest in Peace my old friend. I´m blessed to have had you in my life.
Tony E
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