Dr. Peter Bercaw of Fort Myers passed away on March 19, 2022 at the age of 90. Pete was born on September 2, 1931 in California, the third of four sons of Col. Woodson Woods Bercaw and Nancy Dunlap Bercaw. Pete spent his childhood in California, the Philippines and Palmyra, Virginia.

Pete attended the University of Virginia, graduating with his bachelor’s degree and M.D. He did his residency at Cincinnati General Hospital in Ohio where he met his first wife, Martha Small Bercaw, who was a nursing student. The couple married in 1957 and their first child, Barbara, was born in 1958.

Pete went on to do a residency in cardiology and internal medicine at Veteran’s Hospital in Cincinnati and continued a residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, where second daughter, Susan was born in 1961.

In 1962 Pete and his family moved to Fort Myers where he began his practice in cardiology and internal medicine. Third and fourth daughters Elizabeth and Amy were born in Fort Myers in 1963 and 1967, respectively. Pete practiced medicine in Fort Myers from 1962 until his retirement, and was affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital. He was a past president of Lee County Medical Society.

Pete was married to second wife, Pat Atkins Bercaw, who was a registered nurse. Pat preceded him in death.

Growing up in Palmyra, Virginia with his three brothers: Woodson (Bill), David and Beau – all of whom preceded him in death – Pete was an avid outdoorsman. He particularly enjoyed swimming and canoeing in the Fluvanna River, which ran through his family’s farm.

Pete also loved the ocean, which brought him and his young family to Florida in 1961. Pete enjoyed boating, sailing, fishing and lobstering – first in the waters of Biscayne Bay in Miami and then in the Gulf Waters of Fort Myers. His residence since 1963 was on the Caloosahatchee River.

Pete’s passion was gun collecting. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Fort Myers Gun Club. Pete also kept horses for a period. Horseback riding, sailing, lobstering, boating and taking a Sunday drive down “Frog Road” are among the many precious memories Pete’s daughters have of their father.

Pete’s only grandchild, Isabella (born 1999), was blessed to have shared fishing and canoeing with her Grandaddy.

Pete was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church for many years. Through the church, Pete made many enduring friendships. He was actively involved in the Singles Group and the Men’s Group at Covenant.

Pete saved many lives in his career and now is at rest.

Pete is survived by his four children: Barbara Bercaw, Susan Bercaw, Elizabeth Bercaw and Amy Bercaw Vaiciunas and his granddaughter, Isabella Bercaw.

The family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice in his name.