After a long battle with cancer, Peter Steketee of Mount Pleasant, S.C., passed away peacefully at the age of 64. The devoted son to George Steketee and Barbara Merchant Steketee, Peter was born in Toledo, Ohio, on October 19, 1954. He is the proud grandson of Richard and Estella Steketee and Ross and Lona Merchant from Detroit, Mich.
, where Peter grew up. Peter graduated from Detroit’s Redford High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. Peter is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Christine Coppola and his daughter Katie of Chicago, Ill.
, as well as his siblings with whom he had a very close relationship, Sue Steketee and Nanci Olson of Albuquerque, N.M.; Richard and Nancy Bates of Monroe, N.C.; and Ross Steketee and Angie Dial of Merritt Island, Fla. Peter is also survived by his three loving nieces and one nephew, Jessika Harrison and Amanda Brewer of Lawrenceville, Ga. , and Nicole Olivo and Peter Steketee of Vestal, N.Y. Survived by 14 cousins, Peter would tell you time spent with cousins was time very well spent.
After working more than 35 successful years in the hospitality industry, Peter retired in 2016 following nine years as general manager of the Embassy Suites and Convention Center in North Charleston, S.C. Throughout his career, he worked with Holiday Inns Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, and Embassy Suites by Hilton and operated hotels in major cities like Detroit, New York, Philadelphia, Memphis, Tampa and Chicago. Peter was recognized as general manager of the year in 1996 by Holiday Inns Worldwide and again in 2005 during his tenure with Embassy Suites in Tampa Bay. In 2001, he was named Hotelier of the Year by the Illinois Lodging Association for his team’s work in redeveloping Chicago’s historic Allerton Hotel.
Peter served his industry and community with his whole heart and was committed to giving back. He was past president and board member of the Charleston Hospitality Association, as well as a valued board member of the Lowcountry Food Bank. Peter also served on the board of trustees of Trident Technical College Foundation and served on the board of governors for the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
During his time in Chicago, Peter served as director and board chair of the Lawson House YMCA, a 480-room facility serving the homeless. He also served on the executive committee of the Chicago Convention & Visitors Bureau and a member of the board of managers of the Metropolitan YMCA of Chicago. Peter enjoyed playing golf, bicycling, and spending time with family and friends.
He was a connoisseur of good food and drink and loved boisterous card and board games. Peter was a dedicated member of Point Hope United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant, S.C., and he and his family are deeply thankful for the support he received during his illness by his extended church family. He served for many years as a church leader in various roles.
A memorial service to celebrate Peter’s life will be held on March 10th at 2pm at Point Hope UMC, 3404 Turgot Lane, Mt Pleasant, SC. The family will receive visitors one hour after the service in the fellowship hall. Donations in Peter’s memory can be made to the Lowcountry Food Bank (www.
lowcountryfoodbank.org) or your local food bank (www. feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank). To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Peter Alan Steketee please visit our Sympathy Store.
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