J. Peter Clavin is a graduate of Fort Hamilton High School, Bay Ridge Class of 1971. In 1973, he graduated from the State University of New York at Farmingdale and went on to continue his professional education at the Simmons Institute of Preparation in Syracuse, New York.

Peter is actively involved in the community. He is past president of the following organizations: Cathedral Club of Brooklyn, Lions Club of Bay Ridge, Men's Club of Bay Ridge, Bayfort Benevolent Association, Sons of the American Legion, 12:30 Club of Bay Ridge and the Downtown Speakers Association. Peter is also the Acting Adjutant of the Michael E. Clavin Post #1408 of the American Legion.

In addition, Peter is a member of the Municipal Club of Brooklyn, Emerald Association of Long Island, Knights of Columbus - Thomas Dongan Council #1251, St. Patrick's Society of Brooklyn, and the Catholic Cemeteries Association. In 1993, he was knighted as a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan.

Peter has been honored by the Catholic Guardian Society, the New York City Police Department Sergeant's Benevolent Association & Detective's Endowment Association, the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II, and was the Lion's Club Man of the Year. He was Co-Grand Marshal of the Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade in 1998 and the Grand Marshal of the 1999 Ragamuffin Day Parade.

The Salvation Army's Brooklyn Advisory Board honored Peter as their Man of the Year in 1999 and in 2000 the Advocates for Services for the Multi-Handicapped, Inc. honored Peter as their Advocate of the Year.

Peter married the former Mary Carroll in 1981 and they have four children: Joseph, Matthew, Stephen and Amy.