Dr. Earnest E. “Pete” Seiler, Jr. passed away on June 2, 2022 at the age of 87. He was born on August 4, 1934 in Miami to Earnest E. and Martha B. Seiler. He and his sister, Jean, were raised in Miami.
Pete graduated from Miami High School, and he remained a proud “Stingaree” throughout his lifetime. Pete attended the University of Miami, where he pledged SAE, but most importantly where he met his best friend and wife of 63 years, Nancy Egan. Upon graduation from the “U” with a degree in Business, Pete and Nancy were married in Newport, RI and headed to Colorado State University where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. They returned to Florida and, after a year of practicing in Orlando, Pete and Nancy moved to Ft. Lauderdale with their three children, Earnie III, Jack, and Kathy. Lisa and Lynda were to arrive in the next few years.
In 1967, Pete opened Seiler Animal Hospital. Pete took incredible pride in providing the best medical care for each and every one of his clients. He was highly respected by his peers. Pete was a man for getting things accomplished and when he saw the need, he founded the Pet Emergency Center. Several years later, at the request of a lifelong client, Pete purchased and revamped the Broward Pet Cemetery making it a beautiful resting spot for people’s pets.
Pete was very involved in civic and professional organizations, and a dedicated parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where he served as an usher for over 35 years. He was a founding member of the board of St. John the Baptist Men’s Club. Pete was a past president of the Executives Association of Ft. Lauderdale, a past president of the Optimist Club of Ft. Lauderdale, a member of the Hundred Club of Broward County, and a current member of the “Out of the Loop” group. He was a lifelong member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Florida Veterinary Medical Association where he served on several committees.
Always very special to Pete was the Orange Bowl - he grew up with it! During summers and school vacations, Pete would be working on the floats and props for the coming year. At Orange Bowl time as a kid, Pete was called upon to play various roles, from pushing a “float in distress” to donning a Santa Claus costume. In 1974, Pete was honored to become an active member of the Orange Bowl Committee. He served with great pride and love, and stayed an active and involved member until his death.
Throughout his life, Pete was blessed to have incredible in-laws and many dear friends whom he enjoyed being with - traveling, golfing, tennis, dining, and football. An avid alum, Pete sure loved his “Canes!” Following his retirement, Pete continued to stay busy with his interests in real estate and development. A great day would be driving around Florida looking at potential properties.
Most important of all to Pete was his family - he was happiest when he and Nancy were together and with their 18 grandchildren. He was so elated when Matilda, their first great grandchild, arrived a year ago. Through the years, Pete sent his children and grandchildren journals emphasizing values and life lessons he felt important and those culminated in his three year endeavor to write his book, Come Follow Me. One of his constants in all his writings was his desire for his children to keep God and family first in their lives. Pete was the best husband, father, and grandfather, and we are all better people because of him.
Pete is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Earnie E. III (Sandy), Jack (Susan), Kathy (John) Collar, Lisa (Andy) Irvine, Lynda (Bob) Brady; grandchildren, Ross (Samantha) Martin; Marianna, Jacqueline, Preston, and Susanne Seiler; John III, Caroline (Carl) Abalos, Patrick, and Katie Collar; Egan and Taylor Allen; Anne, Marion (Cameron) Voss, Katherine, Bobby Jr., Sarah, and Liam Brady; great grandchild, Matilda Martin; and many loving nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his granddaughter, Christine Angela Collar, and his sister, Jean Wheeler.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 5 pm - 8 pm at Baird-Case Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 10 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4595 Bayview Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Donations honoring Pete’s life may be made to Orange Bowl Cares https://www.orangebowl.org/community/ Checks may be made payable to Orange Bowl Committee Inc. 14360 NW 77 CT Miami Lakes, FL 33016
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