Obituary of Peter W. Mravlja

Peter W. Mravlja, 48, beloved husband, father, son, teacher and coach, passed away unexpectedly on March 6, 2021.

Peter was born May 18, 1972 in Cobleskill, NY to parents Peter Mravlja and Mary (Gartung) Jones. Known as “Spike” to his family, he would discover his love for baseball at a young age and spent his summers working as a mason.

Peter graduated from Draper Central High School in 1990 and would go on to Schenectady Community College, where he would receive his Associate’s Degree. During his time at S.C.C, he would meet the love of his life, Tricia DeLucia and would unite in marriage on May 31, 1997. He continued his education at SUNY Cortland where he received his B.S. in 1994 and Masters of Science in Education Degree in 1999. While attending SUNY Cortland, he would begin his teaching career as a Physical Education instructor at Hamilton Elementary School.

After his time at Hamilton Elementary, Peter began his long-term career at Southgate Elementary in the North Colonie Central School District, where he would spend over 20 years as an educator with K-6 grade. Known for his “Can Do” attitude, Peter found creative and fun ways to engage with his students while in virtual learning such as dressing up as a T-Rex and encouraging his students to embrace the outdoors. Not only was he dedicated to his teaching career and students, Peter was a beloved coach in the Capital Region and would share his love of sports by coaching travel baseball for Niskayuna, recreational and high school baseball, varsity soccer and boys modified basketball for Shaker, and Challengers baseball for those in special education. Peter would also continue his passion for baseball throughout his entire life by playing in the Capital District Men’s Senior Baseball League, “The Padre’s”, The Titans, Tri-city league in Schenectady, Semi-pro team- Milford Macs and even played at the Doubleday Field in Cooperstown.

Peter was a jack of all trades and his presence radiated to those around him. When he was not coaching, teaching, or doing masonry work, he was a property manager, Volunteer Firefighter in Westford, NY, member of Rod & Gun Sportsman Club of Clifton Park and NYS AHPERD. Peter was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed spending his time hunting and fishing, traveling- especially to the MLB Stadiums throughout the country and to the ocean, watching his beloved Mets, and had a love of baking (his specialty-creampuffs). A man of many talents, Peter took most pride in his beloved family. He truly was a modern day Superman to all that knew him.

Peter is survived by his loving wife, Tricia Mravlja; Daughter, Alexandra; Son, Zachary; Parents, Peter Mravlja (Anka Wilkens) and Mary Jones; Brother, Matthew Mravlja (Heather) and their children, Madison & Abigail; Mother/Father-In-Law, Kathleen & Michael DeLucia, Sr.; Brother-In-Law, Michael DeLucia (Rita Gutierrez); as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins who will continue to cherish his memory.

Calling hours will be held on March 13, 2021 at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Glenville, from 12-3PM with a service to follow at 3PM. Those who are not able to attend may watch the funeral service at 3PM on Glenville Funeral Home’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/GlenvilleFuneralHome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Peter’s name to the American Red Cross, 33 Everett Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or to the Rexford Fire Department,  1601 NY-146, Rexford, NY 12148 since he had such a big heart and loved to help others.