Peter N. Davis: 10/19/1938-8/1/2024
Husband, Father, Uncle, Cousin,Friend, Vocal Coach, Musical Director, Composer, Pianist extraordinaire
Mother and Father: Esther Shedroff/Irving Davis
Brothers and sisters: Phyllis, Darlene, Stuart, Bobby, Peter
He married Linda Stevenson in 1964. Beloved Father of Alyssa, Shaun (1972-2021) and Paul (Kelly)
Uncle to Bonnie Gustafson (Mel), Mark Pustil, Brian (Cathy) Rosen, Larry (Gail) Rosen, Michael and Melanie Davis, Levi Brezinski, David (Laura) Myers, Rob (Deanna) Myers, Andrew (Brenda) Myers, and many grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews.
Peter begged for a piano at the age of 8. and got one when he was 10. He told his piano teacher he would be playing Flight of the Bumblebee and another hard piece by the end of the year and the Teacher laughed. Peter played both of them!
He started playing for musical theater companies when he was 17. He was the pianist for all the musicals at Encore Theatre in Old Town when Peter and Linda met in 1963. He played for a group of actors and singers from Encore Theatre at Tinkers Dam in Michigan City, Indiana, was Producer and Musical Director for shows at Pheasant Run, pianist for “I Do, I Do at the Marriott Theatre, President of and Musical Director for Elgin Community Theater, Co-Producer and Musical Director with Rob Kaye for their Production Company, Harmony Productions at The Milk Pail from 1992 to 1998 performing shows for Seniors and then took their shows on the road performing at Senior facilities until 2009. Harmony Productions was the first group that performed on Sun City Huntley’s stage in Drendel Hall in February of 2000 right after Peter and Linda moved into the community. In 1973 Peter opened The Northwest Center for the Performing Arts in Streamwood, Illinois where he taught voice, Musical Directed adult musical theater productions where many students and aspiring actors got their start in community theater and beyond, music directed shows performed for children from schools in the area who were bused to the Center for field trips to experience live theater.
In 2003 Peter became one of the founders of The Theatre Company of Sun City- a charter club for anyone who lived in Sun City interested in performing, singing, dancing, or working behind the scenes to bring live entertainment to the residents of Sun City, Huntley. Peter was the Vocal Coach, Pianist, Musical Director, and, in the beginning for many years-the Orchestra Conductor, for 38 musical productions in 20 years. A paralyzed vocal chord and bladder cancer got in the way of his being able to continue being a part of the productions. He was still the biggest supporter of this organization. May it prosper and continue with what he called his Baby. He will be watching from above to make sure this happens!!!
His other passion was gardening which he started as a young boy at his Mother’s side. His yard was the envy of the neighborhood. Musical hands, a green thumb, and never at a loss for Dad jokes that made all of his children roll their eyes, but they all actually have his sense of humor. Paul is still telling his “Dad” jokes. All of his children are night owls. Shaun worked nights in every job he had. The first day of kindergarten Alyssa came home and said, “How many more years do I have to do this. I want to work nights like Dad!” They grew up surrounded by live theater, music, and their dad being able to carve pumpkins with them on Halloween.
This quote by Christine Sherrill, one of his star students, sums up all of our feelings for this very special man: “He is forever in my heart and in every note I sing.”
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 1-4pm with a service starting at 2pm all at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Not goodbye- 'I'll see you soon.' I will forever love you to the moon and back, Dad and I'll watch for your signs... now that you're back together with Shaun- I know they will be everywhere! Love always, Your 'cutie'.
Wishing you comfort and peace to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your heart. Nothing I can say will ease your pain, but I am sorry for your losing someone so special. Doing life without him is the hardest thing you will ever do.
I remember his beautiful smile, sense of joy, and belief that everyone could contribute creative. Peter's mother Esther was a very special woman and showed great kindness to me so many years ago. I'm very glad to have known him, even for small segments in my life, so long ago. Heaven is immediately brighter and happier with him there.
My cousin Peter was a very special person. He was a gentle, kind man, easy to talk to and a pleasure to be with. I loved him dearly and will miss him.
I am blessed for having known you Peter. I loved the early morning greeting when Faith, my little dog who loved you, would pass by. I treasure the CD you gave me (Love Lives Here) I am so happy I got to know you these past years.
I met Peter in 1970. Even though separated by thousands of miles these last many years, he has remained one of my dearest friends, Though he has left this body, I cherish all the wonderful experiences I had with him. He survives where I still have a connection with him.
I am very sorry for your loss of Peter I will include him in my prayers He will be missed by many friends and neighbors.
Linda and family------so sad to hear of Peter's passing. I will miss seeing him tend to his flowers for sure. But know he is at peace in a new world with new flowers!!!! Please know that prayers are going up for him and all of you!!!! So terribly sorry for your loss...............
My heartfelt sympathy to you. I had so much respect for Peter as a true gentlemen and outstanding musical talent. He will be surely missed by all of us in the Theatre company .
Words cannot express how saddened I am to hear of your loss. Sending you strength and comfort in this difficult time. Your loved one will be deeply missed, but their memory will live on forever.
I didn’t have the chance to see Peter very often, but I remember that he was always very kind to his younger cousins. I will think fondly of his kindness and his talent. My deepest condolences to you all. Iris
I will always remember Peter for his patients and encouragement to try something new. I will remember him for his jokes and the beautiful music he played. He was a wonderful man and he will be missed. Rest in peace Peter.
I worked closely with Peter on several music projects in the mid to late 70’s. He was a great mentor and friend, and I had the great pleasure of spending time with him and all his family , all wonderful people. Happy Trails, dear Friend 💛
Linda and family, I’m so sorry about the passing of Peter. I met him 9 years ago with my first musical play in Sun City. I knew nothing about musical theatre and he was so very patient with me. He was always available on his own time to help me prepare for an audition. He was always willing to help me literally just hours before a play was to begin to go over something with me. The community of Sun City will be missing a pillar af the community.
Hugs and prayers to your entire family! His music will live on in your hearts! He is now with Jesus and is whole! We love you and will forever pray for you! Love the Vance/Klinger family!
Praying for you all. Your family has shown many the meaning of true love with your care and support of each other through life's joys as well as through life's challenges. Wishing you peace and comfort...and sending you love.
I think I first met Peter through his mother Esther, who was perhaps my very first "fan" - she was always loving and supportive. In the early 70's, Peter was the director of creative arts for many ECKANKAR Seminars. I was a rather shy newcomer to this area. He was immediately a kind, caring, encouraging mentor who became a friend and spiritual big brother in my life, someone I could go to for help in understanding a spiritual principle, or how to navigate challenging circumstances. When I lacked confidence in my music, he would do something humorous with his accompaniment, such as suddenly play my lightly classical song, as a rock tune or change keys on every verse and see if I could keep up. Performing with him was a blessing, honor and great fun. It also helped me greatly in my professional career. Our friendship continued throughout all these years. I was very fortunate to have been able to have recent In person time visits with him. So Long, dear brother ... thank you for your friendship .... will be seeing you down the road .... happy trails 'til then .... may the blessings be!
So very sorry for your loss!! Hugs and prayers to you all!
May you find comfort and assurance just as King David sought and found comfort in the wilderness of Judah, you may also find comfort, no matter what burden troubles you. Linda, I feel your pain...I experienced it twice. We are strong and can endure the pain with a smile on our face.
Linda: I am so sorry for your loss. Peter has been such a part of The Sun City lifestyle. Thank you for sharing him with us. Our prayers will be with you during this difficult time!! Take Care!!
Peter will forever hold a special place in my heart. I loved and respected him greatly. Sending my love to Linda and your family.
Peter will forever hold a special place in my heart. I loved and respected him greatly. Sending my love to Linda and your family.
Peter saw in me what no other teacher saw—and that opened up my world to performing musicals. I was blessed to take private lessons from him, but more importantly, I admired his way of coaching and how he believed in me. I will forever be grateful for his kind and loving support, his talent in music, and his gift for knowing when to pull out the best in us all. You will be missed—but our memories will live on.
Peter will forever hold a special place in my heart. I loved and respected him greatly. Sending my love to Linda and your family.
Peter saw in me what no other teacher saw—and that opened up my world to performing musicals. I was blessed to take private lessons from him, but more importantly, I admired his way of coaching and how he believed in me. I will forever be grateful for his kind and loving support, his talent in music, and his gift for knowing when to pull out the best in us all. You will be missed—but our memories will live on.