Peter Leslie Hawes

Peter Leslie Hawes, age 96 of the Villages, Florida, passed away on Saturday evening, February 1, 2020 at Buffalo Crossings Assisted Living. After defying the medical odds for many years, he gracefully took his last breath just before midnight. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Peter grew up in the busy metropolis of Kearny, New Jersey. After losing both his brother and father at a very early age, he was raised primarily by his mother Nella and his Uncle John. At the age of 18, Peter enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a B-24 mechanic. For nine years he reveled in the South Pacific islands enjoying the lifestyle and all the ocean had to offer. Finally, in his late twenties, Peter met his wife Alice and everything changed. Once returned from their two year honeymoon stationed in Europe, Alice convinced Peter to get his degree in architecture from the University of Florida. Soon after, he acquired a position with the General Services Administration in downtown New York City. Living on Long Island during the next twenty years he raised his two children, Daryl and Brian, until they went off to college. By his early sixties and 30 years of active employment with the U.S. Government, Peter and Alice decided to sell their home in New York and move to The Villages, Florida. For the next 25 years, they called central Florida their home while they travelled, played golf, swam regularly and enjoyed the fruits of their labor. A talented architect, Peter also found a love for art as the President of The Villages Art Club. To this day there are paintings hanging throughout The Villages and in the home of every member of his family. Peter lost his wife Alice in August of 2017 after 66 years of marriage. He kept his sharp mind and unconventional sense of humor until the day he died. Peter is survived by his daughter Daryl, son Brian, and two grandchildren Michael and Daniel. A closed memorial service with immediate family will be held in his honor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be accepted at Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Lady Lake, FL.

Peter Leslie Hawes

May 30, 1923 - February 1, 2020