Dedicated to Friends, Past and Present

Peter’s life was filled with what he loved most, family, friends, the water, boats and planes. His first boat was a small pram and gradually the boats got bigger. He had a trawler, a Portofino, a Grady White fishing boat and a beautiful old 46ft Chris Craft Commander that slept six., plus many other boats in between. He was especially proud of his 46ft Chris Craft with its teak interior in the living room and staterooms. Family and friends had many wonderful trips out in that boat, which was named the “Panecea.” Peter loved taking his boat to the Florida Keys during lobster season, catching and cooking as many as he could. Peter loved being able to water ski every week-end while growing up. He was very accomplished on water skis, as well as barefoot skiing. Peter was an accomplished swimmer and high board diver. He was a lifeguard at the Bath Club on Redington Beach, as well as the Northwest Recreational Center. Peter graduated from Seminole High School, attended St. Petersburg Junior College and graduated from the University of South Florida. His love of planes started at Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg. After obtaining his college degree, Peter went into the officer candidate program in Pensacola, Florida. Peter then served six years as a Navy pilot. After leaving the Navy, Peter began a career as a commercial airline pilot for 30 years, ending with Delta after the merger with Northwest Airlines. Peter flew all over the world and had many wonderful experiences and he always landed safely. All of his life, Peter had a love for magic tricks. He loved entertaining family and friends, especially with his disappearing quarter trick.

In retirement, Peter enjoyed his family and friends. His best friend that he grew up with John (Charlotte) Brown continued to be his best friend throughout his life. They both shared a love for boats and airplanes. Peter also had a very close friendship with his cousin, Tim (Donna) in Pennsylvania. Many fond memories were shared at the cabin in the woods. Family was very important to Peter and he loved being at all the family gatherings with his niece, Kimberly and nephews, David (Lisa) and Jason (Sandy). His grand-nephews Robert, Christopher, Dylan, and Cooper and grand-niece Harper were also very much part of his life. He would do anything for all of them, as well as doing many things for friends. He loved cooking, especially doing salmon in his smoker. He even delivered it to a dear friend’s doorstep. Peter started playing golf weekly with his brother-in-law, Bob. Peter even had a hole-in-one, which was not surprising. When Peter did anything, he excelled. After golf they loved going to Five Guys together. They also took golf lessons together, even though they were both accomplished golfers. After the lessons, they went to Smoky Bones and always had the same thing for lunch. Peter adopted two rescue dogs, Lucky and Lucy from the Pinellas County Animal Shelter. They were his beloved companions.

As his sister, Trina, I was more than blessed to have a wonderful, loving and caring brother. I miss him immensely and loved him very much. His entire family in the Tampa Bay area misses him more than words can say. He is also missed by his son Joshua (Malia) and grandson Hurley in Washington State.

Please consider making a donation to the Pinellas County Animal Shelter in Peter’s honor.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street, Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121

Peter D Hollinger
October 12, 1947 – December 17, 2020

Obituary​