Arthur Bernard Py Jr.

Arthur B. Py, Jr., 82, passed away peacefully on August 24th in Kingsport, TN after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Peoria, IL in 1934, to Arthur B. Py Sr. and Farybelle Mayo. Arthur was raised in Pekin, IL until the family moved to Milwaukee, WI in 1942 and Wauwatosa, WI in 1943. The family had a vacation home “Py Island” on Eagle Springs Lake in Eagle, WI starting in 1947 where he was an active “B” Class hydroplane racer throughout the Midwest. Arthur graduated from Wauwatosa High School class of 1952 having been a swimmer and diver on the State Championship team. Arthur attended and graduated in 1957 from the University of Illinois with a Masters Degree in Architecture.

Following graduation, Art was commissioned into the United States Air Force in 1957 where he served as the Base Construction Engineer and underwent pilot training for the 4228th Strategic Wing, SAC at Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, MS from 1958-1960. Art was an active Reservist in the 440th Troop Carrier Wing Milwaukee, WI from 1961-1966, obtaining the rank of Major. On behalf of his Wing, he was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Reserve Award and Air Medal.

Following his USAF service and working for several Milwaukee area architectural firms (1961-1964), Arthur opened his own firm in Milwaukee in 1964. Py–Vavra Architects and Engineers grew to be the largest architectural practice in the state specializing in hotels, office buildings and multi-family projects. He designed 47 Marriott hotels and in excess of 75 hotels total. His passion for hotels expanded to the development side as he directed the development of numerous iconic hotel projects around the country. Arthur was knighted in 1966 by King Peter of Yugoslavia into the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, The Hospitallers, Knights of Malta for his considerable service on their behalf. In 1982, Arthur was the recipient of the Kiwanis Milwaukee Award. This award was in recognition of his exceptional efforts in furthering a positive image of the City of Milwaukee and for his vision, energy, faith and perseverance in the development of the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, the first new major hotel in downtown Milwaukee in 52 years. In 1988 he was selected as one of the 88 most influential business people in Orlando.

Arthur moved his operations to Orlando, FL in 1985, focusing on hotel development. In addition to his numerous architectural licenses and NCARB certificate, he was also a licensed Real Estate Salesperson and Mortgage Banker. He employed hundreds of people over his distinguished 60 year career and knew every one of their names on sight. He was diligent in his pursuits and an eternal optimist. He leaves behind many friends and acquaintances whose lives he touched in many positive ways.

Arthur was an accomplished dancer, sailor, skier, hunter and fisherman. A voracious reader, he was an authority on military history. He could cite battlefield commanders and strategies of wars and battle over the past 300 years. Arthur’s real passion was his family which he saw as his pride and legacy.

Arthur was preceded in death by his brother Raymond. Arthur is survived by his loving wife of 40 years MaryGail, his brother Jerome Wallace, Honolulu, HI; sister Judy (Jeffery) Henley, Santa Barbara, CA; sons Brian (Cari), Orlando, FL, Kevin (Stephanie), Brookfield, WI, Daniel (Rene), Bluffton, SC and Evan (San Andreas, CA); daughters Virginia Gibbs (John), Ft. Collins, CO and Dr. Lauren Py (Dr. Jayson Vittori), Kingsport, TN). He was grandfather to thirteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and uncle to eight nieces and four nephews. His passion for life was exceeded only by his love for his children, grandchildren and extended family.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday September 2nd, 2017 in the Chapel at the First Presbyterian Church, 100 West Church Circle Kingsport, TN, 37660.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or the University of Illinois School of Architecture (https://give.illinois.edu)

Should you choose to send flowers, please direct deliveries directly to the church.