Peter Andrew Petracco

Peter Andrew Petracco, 85, died on August 15th, 2026.

Born to Italian immigrant parents in New York City, he was the youngest of four and the only boy. He was a mischievous kid, who played football in high school and adored his blue suede shoes.

After high school he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea. After his two years of service, he and his parents moved to South Florida, where he joined the Boca Raton Police Department in 1963. He spent 35 years as a police officer, including the last 15 as Chief.

While he had an impressive career of awards and achievements, Peter was most proud of his family life. Four children, who he loved dearly, were his proudest accomplishment. There was never a missed school performance, award ceremony, or athletic competition. Always showing his love through his actions, Peter coached countless sports teams, sent flowers to his oldest daughter every Valentine’s Day until she was married, overnighted care packages of homemade banana nut bread when his kids were in college, and always beat them in a game of Cards Against Humanity. He proudly kept photos of all his children in his wallet until the day he died.

He was an intimidating man to most people, with a soft spot for those he loved. Through the years he moved into grandfather duties. Traveling around the state and country to watch baseball games, building lemonade stands, never saying no to, and always quick to hug and kiss his grandchildren.

Through this all Peter had his wife of 46 years, Kathleen, by his side. Early on they took cooking classes and attended concerts together, they danced in the kitchen and traveled with their kids in their conversion van. Summers and Christmases spent in north Georgia, led to trips to California, Utah, New York, Texas, Alaska, and Europe both for family and in their own pursuit of adventure. Always together, they were truly partners in love and in life.

Peter is survived by his wife, three children, eight grandchildren, older sister, and the countless people that knew and loved him.