Peter Broner

1924 - 2013

Peter Broner

Salt Point - Peter Broner, 88, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, at his home in Salt Point, NY. He was born in Munich, Germany on July 18, 1924, the son of Walter and Hede Heilbronner. (Upon emigration to the U.S. in 1938, the family name was changed to Broner.) During World War II Peter served as an intelligence officer in the American army, where his early commitment to social justice was strengthened by his war experiences.

After the war he completed a bachelor's degree in journalism and worked in Vienna as a foreign correspondent for Radio Free Europe, later returning to the U.S. to pursue his writing career.

In 1970 Peter obtained a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) and moved to Poughkeepsie to work as a Psychotherapist for the Dutchess County Dept. of Mental Hygiene for 10 years, followed by private practice at home which allowed him to devote more time to his writing.

He has two published works: Night of the Broken Glass, 1991, (a novel based on his experiences in WW II), and Bare Bones Spirituality, 2010, (a book of essays based on his spiritual philosophy, grounded in his study and practice of Buddhism and Vedanta). He was always interested in and ready to discuss the larger questions in life. Other works include a large collection of unpublished stories, novels and plays, several of which were produced in off-off Broadway theaters.

He is survived by his wife, Alice Broner, of Salt Point, NY, his daughter, Corrianne Broner of Albuquerque, NM, and his son, Christopher Broner, his wife Lisa, and their son Kyle, of Staatsburg, NY. He is also survived by two nieces and one nephew and their spouses and children.

A small family memorial will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Center for Constitutional Rights or the Sierra Club Foundation.

Thanks to the staff of Dutchess County Hospice for the ability to die at home.

To send a condolence please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com