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Peter Gavankar Obituary

Gavankar, Peter G. Was born January 21, 1938, in Kolhapur, India, a city located in the southwest corner of Maharashtra. He passed away January 22, 2012 after a brief battle with cancer. He arrived in the United States in 1960 with only eight dollars, one suit and a scholarship to study electrical engineering at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. After graduating in 1963, he moved to Joliet, IL where he founded Rockdale Controls, Inc., the company he ran for 42 years. Peter's innovations at Rockdale were numerous, including developing the controls for soft-serve ice cream machines, Mr. Coffee and a "Classified" item for NASA's Gemini project. Peter was artistic, as well as innovative. In 1963, he produced an Indian/Latin fusion album with his childhood friend and Bolllywood composer, R.D. Burman. Peter was proud to be a U.S. Citizen and often called his birth in India a geographical error. On the 50th anniversary of his arrival, he was honored by the U.S. senate by having a flag fly over the U.S. Capitol. Peter achieved the American Dream and called his two daughters, Sonya Gavankar-McKay (Malcolm) and Janina Gavankar, his best inventions. In addition to his daughters, he is survived by his mother, Susheela Gavankar; his wife of 40 years, Mohra Shahane Gavankar; brother, Raja Gavankar (Monica) and sisters, Kirti Rege (Promod); Nilu Gavankar and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Caterpillar Room at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet, IL 60432. Arrangements were entrusted to Woodlawn Funeral Home. Online obituary at: www.woodlawnfunerals.com Woodlawn Funeral Home 3201 W. Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60431 815-725-0100

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hamilton-Wenham Chronicle on Jan. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Gavankar

20 Entries

Craig Simpson

January 31, 2012

Dear Mohra, Janina and Sonya,
I know that Pete will RIP knowing that he had a wonderful life.We all have a great appreciation for Pete and all that he has done for his adopted USA.
His legacy will be kept alive in our hearts and memories forever,
Your friend, Craig Simpson

christine Burla

January 30, 2012

Dear Mohra,

I was so saddened to learn of the death of your husband. We are spending the Winter in Arizona, otherwise I would have come to offer my condolences in person. Please know that we are keeping you and your daughters in our prayers in this difficult time.

Sincerely, Kris Burla

Jane Bolton Montello

January 30, 2012

I knew Peter many, many years ago, and remember him with affection for the sweet gentleman he always was. I rarely saw him in later years, but knew he had married a remarkable woman and raised two beautiful, amazing daughters. I'll always remember him singing:

We'll sing in the sunshine
We'll laugh every da-a-y
We'll sing in the sunshine
Then I'll be on my way

Bless you on your way, Peter.

Susan L. Prather

January 28, 2012

Dear Mohra, Sonya and Janina,

I remember, around 1980, before leaving for a two-week vacation in Paris, Peter, as he was wont to do, was delivering a full lecture (as in a teaching lecture, not a demand)) to me regarding the genius and remarkable talent of Mr. R. D. Burman. Once again, your husband/father was describing the thrill and excitement of film production in India (we originally met when I was managing publicirelations in the Midwest for the Jamaica Tourist Board, Air Jamaica and Jamaica Resort Hotels, and Peter wanted to shoot a film on the island). Before I knew it, Peter had loaded more than a dozen cassette tapes of Mr. Burman's greatest hits in my arms, and was energetically recommending that I visit every record store in Paris and convince them to stock the tape. I politely reminded him that I was going off on vacation; and I was a public relations consultant -- not an outside B-to-B salesperson. He would have none of it. "I will pay you commission; you can start your own business," he would insist. So exactly three days later, when it was a dreary rainy day in the most beautiful city in the world, I packed my tote bag full of the cassettes and began at the record store right on the Champs Elysees. I figured I might as well start at the top; Peter always did.

You three know how his presence and personality would instantly fill a rooom. You also hardly need me to tell you how much he loved and was proud of each of you.

Mohra, he would boast to me about every single project with which you were involved, And you girls -- Sonya, you were already born when I met your folks; but Janina, you were the twinkle in his eye. Of course, the sun always has risen and set when it comes to you both.

I had never searched for him or you on the web until Sonya called this week. I was blown away at how accomplished you young women are (but of course, I should hardly be surprised). Sonya, I will be watching for you on Public Television, and Janina, I will have my eye on you in the film industry. I know you are both successful already, and that your successes will keep growing. I am certain fo it, because if your father's legacy is anything at all, it is that of a solid winner.

I'm just so sorry I have been so out of touch. It's too easy to tell one's self that our friends will always be there. But life is too short, and his passing has jolted me into that bitter realization.

My heart goes out to you. It's ironic; I told Sonya when she called that I have been thinking about all four of you so much recently-- all last weekend. I was shocked when Sonya called.

Thank you for letting me know. I am with you in thought and prayer.

Much sympathy and love, Susan Prather I Corinthians 15:51-58

Lourdes Cabrera

January 28, 2012

Mohra and Family,I am so sorry for your loss. Pete was a kind person.I had the privilage to work for him and am thankful
he gave me the opportunity.My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Carlo Isabelli & Family

January 28, 2012

Dear Mohra, Sonja, and Janina,
I was so sorry to hear of Pete's passing. I will always remember Pete's musical conversations that we shared. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Cheryl Nolden

January 28, 2012

Dear Mohra and Family,
My sincere sympathy to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jim Jerzycke

January 26, 2012

I worked for Pete in High School, and have always considered him to be my Electronics Mentor. I also worked with him when he was starting his new facility, and had moved into Dr. Skinner's old veterinary's office.
I am truly saddened to hear of his passing, and my heart and prayers go out to his family.
Jim Jerzycke

January 26, 2012

Dear Mohra, getting to know Pete was a delight. We always tried to sit and talk with him at the various events we all were involved with. We, along with you will miss him.
Bob and Melody Russ (Land O' Lakes, FL)

Felix & Mary Juarez

January 26, 2012

Dear Mohra & Family,

What a wonderful man Pete was. His way of making people feel good about themselves took root in my life. This trait will live on and hope you find comfort in that.

cliff bender

January 26, 2012

Dear Mohra,Sonja, and Janina:
Pete will always be remembered as a man with never ending energy and a "can do" spirit that made even the impossible possible.....he will be sorely missed by all.....

January 26, 2012

As one of Sonya's colleagues at the Newseum in Washington (and a fellow native Jolietan), I send warm thoughts and many prayers to all her family. Her Dad's creative spirit is wonderfully endowed in his daughter. May loving memories comfort all of you for all the days ahead.

Mary Kay Blake

Lee & Linda Bailey

January 25, 2012

Dear Mohra, Sonja and Janina:
I was so sorry to hear about Peter, a husband and father loved by all.
I am sorry that we cannot be with you at this time we are still in Florida.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Pete but have heard nothing but wonderful things about him and know that he was a great husband and father.
We are hoping that you will allow GOD to comfort you at this time.
Please accept our deepest sympathy.

January 25, 2012

Dear Mohra, Sonja, and Janina,
I was so sorry to hear of Pete's passing.
What a remarkable man he was.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
In Sympathy,
Jan Gould
Clearwater, Florida

Marc Freeman

January 25, 2012

Dear Gavankar Family,
Peter and I used to enjoy each others' company many a night, years ago. No one there ever know of his wealth (both knowledge or financial) and no one really cared because of his friendship and grat humor. He was blessed with beauty of mind and humor, not to mention Mohra and two beautiful daughters. Nancy and I often talked about him and how I missed his company. He will be missed by all who knew him. May you be comforted by his unending smile.

Pam Heavens

January 25, 2012

Mohra,

Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss.

January 25, 2012

Dear Mohra and Family, I offer you my sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear Peter. I know that you miss him so much. May your faith carry you through these most difficult days ahead.

Peggy Danhof, Junior Miss Program

Brother Robert Wilsbach, FSC

January 25, 2012

Brother Robert R. Wilsbach, FSC
St. Mary's Hall, 7018 Boyer ST
Philadelphia PA 19119 - 1801

The Gavankar Family

Dear Mohra, Janina, Sonya and members of the Gavankar family:

I was saddened to learn of the death of your dear husband and father, Pete Gavankar. At times such as these, words are unable to carry the full message of comfort and consolation which we want them to bear, but they are all we have. Having experienced the death of my own father in 1995, I am aware of the deep emotions which accompany such a loss. Be sure of continued remembrance of him in my prayers and those of all the Brothers at St. Mary's Hall.

May the Lord continue to hold you and all your family in the hollow of his hand and may you find his comforting presence in the silent power of prayer, in the wisdom of the Scripture, the nourishment of the Eucharist, the beauty of the liturgy, and in all his holy people gathered round you to help you.

I join my voice to the ancient hymn of
the early Church:

May the angels lead him into Paradise.
May the martyrs come and welcome him on his way
And lead him into the holy city, Jerusalem.
May the choirs of angels welcome him.
And with Lazarus, who once was poor,
May he have everlasting life. Amen.

I close with the traditional prayer which we Brothers have prayed for over three hundred years:
Live Jesus in our hearts--Forever.

With sympathy and promise of prayers,
Your Brother,

Ginny Alessio

January 25, 2012

Dearest Mohra, Sonja, and Janina, words cannot express the sorrow I feel for all of you, and your families, at this most difficult time. Pete was truly a wonderful man, and will be so missed. His contributions to our community, will never be forgotten. May you find comfort in all of your wonderful life long memories. My thoughts and prayers always.
Ginny Alessio and Family

January 25, 2012

Mohra, Sonya, Janina- I was extremely sad to hear of Pete's passing. I will remember him for his brilliance, astute observation skills, and his sense of humor. My heart breaks for you, but I hope you are comforted by your wonderful memories, and knowing others care. Love, Peggy Liker Canton, Il

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