John Binienda

John J. Binienda, 67

WORCESTER - John J. Binienda Sr, 67 of Worcester passed away peacefully on Friday August 22 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, after a courageous battle with diabetes and kidney disease.

John leaves behind his three loving children, Julie-ann Binienda and her longtime friend James Johnston of Shrewsbury, a son John J. Binienda Jr. of Galveston, Texas and a son Jamie T. Binienda, and his wife Danielle of East Sandwich. John also leaves his four adoring grandchildren Samantha, Izabella, Abigail and Jamie T. Binienda Jr. (JT). He also leaves behind a Great Granddaughter Olivia.

John came from a family of eight children who were always by his side during his political career and throughout his illness. He leaves his sister Donna M. Levansavich and her husband Richard of Auburn, Kathleen M. Dufresne and her husband Raymond of Eastham and Naples FL, a brother Joseph W. and wife Marsha of Webster, brother Thomas J. and wife Patricia of Grafton, brother Edward M. and wife Maureen of Worcester, brother Paul J. and wife Gale of Dudley, and a sister Mary F. Steele and her husband Francis of Auburn. He also leaves several nieces and nephews and many cousins. John was predeceased by his parents Mary G. (O'Coin) and Thaddeus A. Binienda, and his former wife Beverly Ann Racine.

John was a graduate of Saint Peter's High School, Quinsigamond Community College and Worcester State College. He was a teacher in the Leicester Public Schools for 18 years; he also worked at Spag's for 16 years. In 1986 he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives and proudly represented the 17th Worcester District for the next 28 years. He served on several committee's including; Public Safety, Ways and Means, and Education. He was the former Chairman of the Committee on Energy, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Revenue and most recently the Chairman of the Rules Committee. He was also proud to be known as the Dean of the Worcester delegation to the State House.

John was was a member of several organizations and clubs including but not limited to; The Main South American Legion Post, The Knights of Columbus and The Polish Naturalization Independent Club.

During his distinguished career John was a staunch champion for education. He secured funding for the construction of several new schools in his district during his tenure, including the Leicester High School, the Arthur Sullivan Middle School, and Gates Lane School. John has also been a champion for increased Chapter 70 education funding, and helped lead the fight to secure $11.5 million for early education providers and programs in the state budget.

John also worked tirelessly to enact common-sense laws over his many years on Beacon Hill that promote public safety, expand veterans' benefits, and work to reform governmental systems. In 2008, he worked to pass "Darnell's Law," which mandated CPR and first aid training for school-bus drivers in the state.

John also co-sponsored a bill in 2012 that increased access to hearing aids for children. John stated: "That issue came to the forefront for me when my grandson was born hearing impaired, and I was moved to see the Governor sign it in 2012."

A steadfast advocate for veterans, John has been recognized several times for his commitment to the state's brave men and women in uniform, receiving several awards for his support. He worked to pass the "Merit Bill," which expanded tax breaks for veterans. John also worked hard to pass the "Valor Act," which provides increased property tax relief and enhances employment, educational and healthcare support services for veterans.

As the former vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, John has long pushed to enact laws that would increase protection for police officers while on the job.

John has also been a consistent proponent of the state's elderly population, having successfully secured funding for local Councils on Aging, senior pharmacy programs, and passing senior circuit tax break legislation.

As the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Revenue, John authored the state's film tax credit program, which has led to an influx in movie productions in Massachusetts.

Year after year, John worked to secure the highest possible amount of funding and support for the 17th Worcester District in the annual state budget. He successfully secured funding for the South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, which provides vital services for some of the poorest residents in the Main South neighbored of Worcester, as well as Dismas House, a highly successful rehabilitation program for former inmates and their families. John has additionally secured yearly funding for the Worcester Public Library's "Talking Book" program for the blind, a program that his own mother utilized when she lost her eyesight later in life.

John has received countless awards over his distinguished career. Most recently, he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from his alma mater Worcester State University in Public Administration.

Also, he received the Robert F. Kennedy Lifetime achievement award from the Worcester Democratic City Committee. John was not well enough to attend the event but his son Jamie accepted the award on his behalf and made the following comments:

"What an honor it is for my Dad to receive an award named after Robert F. Kennedy and what he stood for. I thought back to his famous speech given on April 4th, 1968 the day that MLK Jr.was assassinated. My favorite line from that speech is "what we need in the United States is love and wisdom and compassion toward one another". And these three words; love, wisdom and compassion sum up my fathers 28 years of public service. The love that he has for his constituents, the wisdom that he has passed down to fellow colleagues and the compassion that he has shown for the most vulnerable in our society."

On a personal level John was known for his outgoing personality as well as his jokes and pranks. There were countless memories over the years when John would entertain everyone on his deck and by the pool on Circuit Ave. Family and friends were always welcome at "Binienda Lake" and laughs were abundant when John was present.

When John announced that he would not seek re-election he stated: "It's been quite a ride. I am proud of my record and I know I've made a difference in many people's lives. That is what public service is all about. You can't ask for much more than that." He further stated: "The 17th Worcester District is in my blood; I know the people, the business owners, every sidewalk and street sign, and families going back generations. I am a proud son of Worcester and it has been an absolute privilege to represent the people of this district in Boston. I am forever-grateful for their support over the past 28 years".

Calling hours will be held Monday August 25 from 3pm-8pm at Callahan-Fay & Caswell funeral home located at 61 Myrtle Street Worcester, MA. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday August 26 at 10am at Saint Peter's Church 931 Main Street Worcester, MA.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org).

www.callahanfay.com