Dr. Peter A. Drew's Obituary
Dr. Peter A. Drew, 67, of Gainesville, FL died January 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Peter was born December 8, 1955, in Albany, NY to Donald W. and Barbara O’Grady Drew. Peter graduated from Cox High School in 1974 where he was a member of the National Honor Society in recognition of his academic excellence. In his senior year, their wrestling team was the eastern district wrestling champions. Peter continued his education at UNC-Chapel Hill, and joined the wrestling team, graduating in 1978. In 1979 he earned his master’s in chemistry from Old Dominion University. He then earned his doctorate at Eastern VA Medical School in 1984. In 1984 he went to the Medical College of Georgia to study pathology and went on to work as General Pathologist at Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin, GA until 1990. In 1991 Peter began working with the University of Florida, with a fellowship specialty in cytopathology. He worked as an associate professor and with Shands/UF Health Hospital for 32 years. He was a member of the following societies: CAP, USCAP, ASC, and FSP. Within these societies, his activities included American Cancer Society Fellow, CAP laboratory inspector, and USCAP Review Board.
He married the love of his life, Patti Troup Drew in Augusta, GA in 1987. Together they had a son, Matthew E. Drew, of whom he was very proud. He was a man of faith and a long-time active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served on the church council and as an usher. Peter enjoyed music, arts, travel, parks, wildlife, and nature. He loved his pets, currently his standard poodle, “Watson” and his parrot, “Tootie”. Peter was a kind, compassionate, unwavering, selfless, generous, humble, and altruistic man. He was a very loving and attentive husband and father. All who knew and loved him will miss his presence in their lives.
Peter is survived by his wife of 37 years, Patti Drew, son, Matthew Drew, mother, Barbara Drew, brother, Donald (Pinky) Drew, brother-in-law Dr. Chris (Lisa) Troup, and his aunt and uncle, Priss and John Diggins. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, colleagues, and friends.
A Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 3:00 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church 4000 NW 53rd Ave., Gainesville, FL with Reverends Catherine, and Steve Price officiating. A reception will follow at the church. For those who wish, consider a donation in his memory to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org or the charity of your choice.
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