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Peter Antonacci, age 74, died on September 23, 2022, in Tallahassee, Florida. He was born on August 21,1948, at a marine base in Quantico, Virginia, the second child of the late Peter Victor and Josephine Licciardello Antonacci. Raised primarily in Hialeah, Florida, with his older sister and younger brother, he had colorful tales of his Catholic primary schooling, and some of his fondest childhood memories were of summers spent in New York City with his Italian extended family. An intellectual from the start, as a child he could be found reading encyclopedias by flashlight under his bedcovers. But as the son of immigrants, he always understood the rewards of hard work. He began his extensive professional career as a paperboy, Boy Scout, altar boy (head altar boy, of course), bus-bench maintenance man, thoroughbred hot walker, student bus driver, airplane refuse technician, and all-around bushy-haired agitator. His formal education would eventually take him from Immaculate Conception School to Hialeah High to Miami Dade Junior College, and on to Florida State University for a bachelor’s in History and master’s in Urban and Regional Planning. During this time, he also received further education in the ways of the world, as a schoolteacher in rural Georgia, a health planner in Miami, and hitch-hiking to his summer job in New Hampshire. In 1976, he returned to Florida State University to attend law school. As a cigarette-smoking, back of the classroom student, he was quickly captivated by a quiet woman commanding attention from the front row. This would be the start of a 45-year relationship with his wife, Anne. Although an unlikely match that often confounded even their closest friends and family, they formed a truly equal partnership built on a fierce mutual respect for each other’s very different intellects. They had both grown up in South Florida, but built their legal careers, family, and home in Tallahassee, always with a beloved cat or two. Together, they took on the adventures of life with curiosity about everything. Pete’s professional work in public and private practice was a source of passion, pride, and constant motivation – as a prosecutor, an advocate for his clients, and a dedicated public servant who simply would not say no. His involvement was rarely quiet, with his Sicilian temper, Pete was famous for his willingness to turn over tables and unusual turns of phrase (“Pete-isms.”). In any event, his commitment was steadfast - countless men and women across the state benefitted from his counsel, mentorship, and tireless encouragement. As a father to his two daughters, Pete was a rare combination—providing unconditional support and cheerleader services, while simultaneously instilling high standards and a strong work ethic. He was the retriever of breakfast, airport taxi service, late-night greeter, and, eventually, professional confidant and trusted sounding board. For his four grandchildren, he was the donut-man, poker dealer, baby-whisperer, and inciter of playful chaos. Although ambitious, Pete was never motivated by money. The only toy he needed was a two-seater rag top, manual transmission required, and he was just as happy with a burger and milkshake as at a five-star restaurant. He loved to travel and could be counted on to grab a nap on any horizontal surface along the way. He was a master in the kitchen, famous for his red sauce, and always eager to try a new recipe or dream up his own culinary concoctions. On weekends, he could be seen relaxing in the sun by the pool, reading an impossibly long book on any period of history while chewing gum, a cherry pit, and a toothpick—all at the same time. He was a man of many talents. Pete is survived by his wife, Anne Longman; his daughters Alexis Lambert (Matt) of Tallahassee; and Claudia Hadjigeorgiou (Pete) of Charlottesville, Virginia; as well as his four grandchildren whom he adored: Georgia, Evelyn, Christos, and Josephine. He is also survived by his sister Margaret Brickman (Pat) of Cullman, Alabama; and much-loved nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David Antonacci. A celebration of Pete’s life will take place at the Florida State University Alumni Center, 1030 West Tennessee St., Tallahassee, Florida, on Monday, October 3, at 3:00 p.m. Rocky Bevis and Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home are assisting the family with their arrangements. (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com)

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Pete Antonacci

August 21, 1948 - September 23, 2022