Peter K. BINDER

BINDER - Peter K. (Attorney) Age 66, of 143 Graham St., Gardner; September 19, 2011 in his residence surrounded by his family. Peter was born in Buffalo, New York on September 25, 1944, the son of the late A. Francis and Nancy-Lou (Knowlton) Binder. Peter and his wife, Attorney Nancy Binder, were partners of the Binder and Binder Law Office located in Gardner. They started their law firm in 1985 and Peter was able to work at the profession he loved until his sickness overtook him very recently. Peter's dedication to the defense of the indigent and less fortunate members of society was legendary. On May 19 of this year he was awarded the Donald D. Deren Courageous Advocacy Award citing his Tireless Commitment to the Defense of the Indigent. He was a member of the Northern Worcester County Bar Association where he often gave seminars to provide guidance to the newer members of the bar. He also served as a mentor to those less experienced in the law. He formerly owned and operated Four Winds Restaurant in Ashburnham from 1974 to 1987. Peter was well known in the area as a first class Chef, enjoying preparing meals for family and friends at his home "Chez Pierre". Although an accomplished Lawyer and Chef, Peter always wanted to learn more and recently decided he would learn to build things and studied for and obtained his General Contractor's License. Peter graduated from Bennett High School in Buffalo, NY with the Class of 1962. He graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelors Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management in 1967, and in 1973 he graduated from Suffolk University with a Juris Doctor. Peter was a United States Navy Veteran and received the National Defense Service Medal. He was a member and Past Chairman of Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. Peter enjoyed cooking, gardening and listening to music. He had a true zest for life and loved spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends. Peter loved classic cars, and owned a 1970 Chrysler Newport he affectionately named "Big Red". Peter leaves his wife of 21 years, Attorney Nancy M. (Maillet) Binder of Gardner; one son, Richard K. Binder and his wife Michelle of Gardner; two daughters, Amanda M. Martin-Algarin and her husband Ramon of Fitchburg and Brittany M. (Binder) Gesner and her husband SHSN Charles, who serves on the USS WASP, of Norfolk, VA; two brothers, Richard F. Binder and fiance Celeste Zuppa of Lockport, NY and Jae Kim and his wife Jennifer of Bedford, MA; four grandchildren, Anthony, Jailyn, Giovanni and Emma; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves his beloved grand-dog Zamboni. A "Celebration of Life" will be held on Peter's birthday, Sunday, September 25th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Colonial Hotel, 625 Betty Spring Road, Gardner. BOUCHER FUNERAL HOME INC., 110 Nichols St., Gardner is handling the arrangements. www.boucherfuneral.com