Peter Fatovich

Peter A. Fatovich of Jupiter, Fla passed away peacefully on May 23, 2015, surrounded by his loving family following a very brief illness. Born July 1, 1930, he spent his childhood with parents Joseph and Tomica and brother Joe in Hoboken, NJ. In the late 1930's they returned to their native Yugoslavia amidst World War II, where he gained lessons which would remain with him throughout his life. Peter would often say he was educated in Europe. After returning to Hoboken in 1946 he worked a variety of jobs to help support his family. With little formal education, he was a smart, bright, well versed man fluent in 6 languages. Peter could converse knowledgably on a myriad of subjects, especially politics, history, religion and world and current events. He always kept his Dictionary and Thesaurus close by so he could understand the meaning and origin of each word. He enlisted in the Army near the end of the Korean conflict and received an Honorable Discharge. He married his wife Mary Lou in 1959 at St. Malachy's Church in New York City. They made their family home in Crestwood, NY for 30 years. Peter began his career in New York City teaching accordion lessons, a passion that would remain with him for the entirety of his life. His career as an Associate Director and Director in the television industry spanned 4 decades beginning in 1959. His credits at NBC are far too numerous to mention, but include The Jack Paar Show, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, The Orange Bowl Parade, numerous news and special events, Saturday Night Live, and Late Night with David Letterman. In 1993 Peter transitioned to CBS as The Associate Director of The Late Show with David Letterman. Even after retirement, he frequently ventured from Florida to NYC to visit with colleagues and mentor those following in his footsteps. He was a member of The Directors Guild of America and The Screen Actors Guild. He was the recipient of numerous Emmy awards, a George Foster Peabody Broadcasting Award, and several other recognitions within the television and broadcasting industries. Blessed to be part of such a renowned industry, Peter never forgot his roots or abandoned his humble beginnings. He lived the last 17 years of his life in the warmth of his wonderful Jupiter community in constant contact with his NBC and Letterman Show family and friends who meant the world to him. He is survived by his loving daughter, Alexandra, (Mandy) and her husband Robert Mahoney; his 7 adored grandchildren: Alex Grosvenor, Caitlin Mahoney, Olivia Grosvenor, Meaghan (Mimi) Mahoney, Luke Grosvenor, Robbie Mahoney, and Hunter Grosvenor. Peter's unconditional love for his family was evident in the way he spoke about each with the utmost pride. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou (Furst) and his son Peter. Peter was the type of person who could light up any room that he walked into with his infectious smile and most genuine laugh. Everyone he came in contact with was greeted "Hello my friend", or "HIYA" because everyone truly was a friend to him. He lifted spirits with his endless stories. He will be missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM with a receiving at 9:15 on Saturday, May 30th at St. Malachy's – The Actors Chapel, located at 239 West 49th Street, New York, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,120 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005. (www.afsp.org), or The American Cancer Society.

Peter Fatovich

July 1, 1930 - May 23, 2015