Peter Walson

Peter (“Pete”) Walson loved travel, quick wit, service to others, good conversation, and bad Scotch. He died in Stuart, Florida at the age of eighty surrounded by family and friends, of which he left many. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (“Betsy”), his sister, Susan Stolzer, his sons, John with wife, Karen, and James (“Jamie”) with wife, Kristy, and his grandchildren, Emma, Jack, Clay, Noah and Finn.

Pete served as a City Commissioner in Stuart from 1978 through 1993 and again from 1994 to 1996, serving as Mayor three times in 1980-81, 1985-86, and 1990-91. During his time in public service, he led the city in transforming downtown Stuart, a matter in which he took great pride, including the installation of “Lady Abundance.” He worked with Stuart’s Community Redevelopment Agency until the day he died.

Born in 1942 in the Bronx, his family later moved to New Rochelle, New York. Pete attended Iona Preparatory School for high school and graduated from Holy Cross in 1963 with a degree in Mathematics and a minor in French. He served in ROTC in college and following graduation, he joined the Navy as a commissioned officer, completed nuclear training, and served for two years aboard the USS Long Beach and the USS Randolph. After his honorable discharge, Pete obtained an MBA from Columbia University.

Pete followed his parents to Stuart following their retirement where a dinner at La Fonda led him to meet his wife of 49 years, Betsy, and where they raised their two sons. Pete quickly rooted in the community as the owner and manager of the McDonalds on US-1 near Colorado Avenue. Before the sale in 1990, he was quick to greet customers, walk the dining room, and make conversation. As in all aspects of his life, no one was a stranger.

During the latter half of his career, he taught math at Spectrum High School and enjoyed regular bridge and Trivial Pursuit nights, yet more conversation, and Wednesday golf with his friends who named him the “Silkworm” for his smooth swing.

Pete loved travel, visiting 48 countries and six continents with his wife and friends. More than travel, however, he enjoyed returning home to his hometown, Stuart. Upon every return, Pete would pour a bad Scotch, call his sons, and take great joy in describing each adventure.

Saint Joseph Catholic Church will hold a memorial mass in Pete’s honor on July 8, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with a reception to follow at St. Mary Episcopal Church, 623 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34994.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Pete’s honor to either Saint Joseph Catholic School or the First Tee of Central Florida using the information below:

Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church

1200 SE 10th Street

Stuart, FL 34996

Saint Joseph Catholic School (https://factsmgtadmin.com/give/appeal/iURUghw7Y)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aycockjensenbeach.com for the Walson family.