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Peter Gravina Obituary
Peter John Gravina, 66, native Floridian, respected real-estate attorney, leader in the legal community, avid Gator fan, adored father, grandfather, husband, brother and friend, passed away on March 31 following a short but intense fight with brain cancer.
Born and raised in Miami, graduating from LaSalle High School, he received his BS degree in business from the University of Florida and his J.D. degree from UF College of Law. While at UF he met his wife, Amy Burnett, and they married in 1978 and moved to Lee County, where he began his legal career.
Pete was proud to be a partner of the Pavese Law Firm where he practiced real property law for more than three decades. He held the distinction of being the first Board Certified Real Estate Lawyer in Lee County by the Florida Bar. He was dedicated to his profession and his community, serving as a board member and chairman of Attorneys' Title Insurance Fund, as president of the Lee County Bar Association, and as a board member of the YMCA and Southwest Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Pete was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and his happiest times were spent with the family hiking in his beloved Montana, attending Gator games and having cocktails in his garden. He was immensely proud of his children, Sarah and Matthew, and delighted in celebrating their personal and professional achievements.
Pete was known for his gentle and measured demeanor. Friends enjoyed his dry wit, which he used sparingly but effectively. Pete was not one to gush over anything, but when he spoke people listened because he chose his words and thoughts so carefully. He enjoyed irony. He was a hyper-curious, lifelong learner. He was an adept griller of meat who openly shared his technique with friends, and he had an encyclopedic knowledge of the flora and geology of both his native state and his adopted state of Montana, where he and Amy spent a great deal of their time.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but they are comforted knowing that he is now reunited with his son Matthew, who passed away in August of last year.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Amy, daughter and son-in-law Sarah and Aaron Crittenden, daughter-in-law Andrea Gravina, grandchildren Graham and Nora Gravina and sister and brother-in-law Patty and Ed Barker.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pete's memory to the UF Foundation (P.O. 100243, Gainesville FL 32610) to support brain tumor research at the University of Florida. Online at: https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/024261-brain-tumor-fund-for-tran-laboratory-in-uf-neurosurgery/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Gravina
Sponsored by The News-Press.
Tom Strobel
April 7, 2020
Amy,
Sincere condolences to you and your family and Rest in Peace, Pete
Theresa Kersey
April 6, 2020
RIP Pete. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. II
I will always remember your kind smile .
Terry Kersey
Pavese Law Firm
Dennis Luettich
April 5, 2020
Pete gave me my start as a young attorney and introduced me to title insurance and real estate law. These lessons were the most important ones that I have received in my professional life and I still use them to this day.
On a non-professional note, I always enjoyed our discussions of the Gators and our chances for the upcoming season.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Pete's family at this most trying of times.
April 5, 2020
Amy-
So sad to hear about Pete. Remembering you guys from so long ago when you and I worked at the blood bank. You were newlyweds then. My condolences go out to you and your family.
Meri (Lennett) Shaffer
April 3, 2020
Amy, we just adore you and are so sad to hear this news about Pete. We have been recovering from Toms dad just being killed in an accident and hearing this news about Pete is terrible. our hearts cannot image you dealing with two losses of great importance such a short time. Sending all our love. Kerrey and Tom Hoolihan
A.J. Donelson
April 3, 2020
Amy, my heartfelt sympathies and condolences to you and your family. I was saddened to learn of Peter's passing. I think back fondly on our time at UF Law. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Carol Hudler
April 3, 2020
What a guy. We loved him and will never forget him.
James and Saundra Garner
April 3, 2020
Dear Amy and family, Jim and I were so sorry to learn of Pete's passing. Jim has been reminiscing fondly about his and Pete's partnership at the Pavese firm. I know your memories of Pete are so special to you, and I know you will hold onto them forever.
With Sympathy,
Jim and Saundra Garner
Beth Preddy
April 3, 2020
My dear Amy, This sad news landed like a bomb. Your grace and loving spirit will see you through the loss of your dear husband after almost 50 years. I remember him from a Corkscrew event many years ago. He was kind, and so handsome. I'm sorry about your grieving. My thoughts are with you during this time. You have many friends who care deeply about you and I hope you lean on their love and your family's.
Jennifer Denby
April 2, 2020
I had the privilege of knowing Pete for just at 20 years. I worked for Mr. Pete for 12 years at Pavese. I so enjoyed our time together and admired him so much. Love you Mr Pete forever!
Debbie Cooley
April 2, 2020
So sorry to hear this news. I worked with Pete for nearly 18 years at Pavese. He was a fine, thoughtful and hardworking man. His presence will be greatly missed.
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