Peter F. Grader

1933 - 2022

Groton - Peter F. Grader, 89, a longtime Connecticut resident, passed away Monday, Nov. 14, 2022. Peter was born in Pirna, Germany, Sept. 10, 1933, the son of the late Franz and Irmgard Grader; and was the loving husband of Lorraine (Scherer) Grader. She survives him. They celebrated 66 years of loving marriage.

In addition to his wife Lorraine, he is survived by his children, Deanna Pinette and Mark Grader; grandchildren: Meryl Mastandrea, Evan Pinette, Colby Pinette, Andrea Mura and Samantha Grader; and two beautiful great-grandchildren.

Peter came to America, at the age of 19 after completing his schooling and apprenticeship in the European watchmaker tradition. He spoke no English, and was sponsored by a kind aunt in Queens, N.Y. He began working within days of his arrival and thus began his long career and continuing education in America. He ultimately earned the coveted title of Certified Gemologist in the American Gem Society. He married Lorraine in Queens, New York in 1956 and began his own business in that same year. He and his wife founded Grader Jewelers with the help of loving family, loyal employees, loyal customers, friends and business associates. Grader Jewelers is now in its third generation.

He had endless energy and drive in pursuit of his goals, despite his long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. He served as president of the Groton Rotary Club (with 25 years of perfect attendance), president of the Thames Club, president of the Council at Faith Lutheran Church, a corporator of Chelsea Groton Bank, a member of the LAMBS, and Board of the Independent Jewelers Organization.

A Celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Faith Lutheran Church, 625 Poquonnock Road, Groton. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or Faith Lutheran Church.