John Peter Davis, (Pete) died on Jan. 22, 2025, 68 years old. Only child of the late John J. Davis and Elizabeth Carney Davis of Philadelphia, PA.
Pete is a graduate of The William Penn Charter School (1974), Hamilton College (BA 1978) and the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University (MPS 1984.) Pete had a long and successful career in Hospitality Management, beginning at Watson’s Restaurant in Ocean City. Pete began working at Watson’s the summer of 1974, and continued there eventually becoming Kitchen Manager until he entered Cornell’s Hotel School in 1983. Pete was on the opening teams for Fairmont Hotels (Bellevue) and Canadian Pacific (Franklin Plaza) in Philadelphia. He managed departments in both the Food and Beverage and Rooms Divisions at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. In 1991, Pete was recruited to join The Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia as Director of Housekeeping. It was only after Pete joined the Rittenhouse in that position that the Hotel received its first AAA Five Diamond Award. He concluded his career while at The Rittenhouse with a run of twenty consecutive AAA Five Diamond Award ratings, retiring in 2011.
Pete was a regular volunteer in several organizations including Cheltenham Little League, Keystone State Boychoir, St Martin’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of Ocean City, NJ and The William Penn Charter School, Philadelphia. At Penn Charter, Pete served 9 years on the Alumni Board and was President from 2012-2014. Pete was class agent for his Class of ’74 for over twenty years, and organized five successful Class Reunions including the Gala 50th in May 2024.
Pete met Susan Jane Struckell working at Watson’s Restaurant in the late 70’s. Pete operated a steamtable and Susan waitressed at the 500-seat restaurant. The summer romance was consummated a few years later with a wedding in 1983. They raised two children in Cheltenham, PA: Sara Jean Davis (26) and John Andrew Davis (23.). The family realized its dream purchasing a home in Ocean City in 2015 and relocating full time in 2020.
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1st, 2025 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 2998 Bay Avenue, Ocean City, New Jersey 08226. Visitation at 9:30 am, service at 11:00 am.
A Quaker Meeting for Worship will be held at The William Penn Charter School, 3000 W School House Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144 on Saturday, February 8th, at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the Koltes Full Access Fund, IMO Pete Davis, William Penn Charter School, 3000 W School House Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144, Attention Chris Rahill.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.godfreyfuneralhome.com
