Brad A. Binder, 64, of Port Allegany, PA
Port Allegany – We are deeply saddened to share the news of the unexpected passing of our beloved Brad A. Binder, 64, of Port Allegany, PA on June 14, 2024. Born on September 12, 1959 and raised in Port, he graduated from Port Allegany High School and proudly served in the United States Army.
He went on to a career as a distance learning technician, most recently employed by Seneca Highlands IU#9 of Smethport, PA. His sharp mind coupled with his unwaveringly positive attitude made him a widely admired leader among his colleagues.
He was also instrumental in his wife’s First Fitness business. Brad had a servant’s heart – his faith was of utmost importance to him and was a devoted member of the Salt & Light Community Church. He also enjoyed serving his local community through his role as a poll worker, working on election day for over 4 years.
For all of his professional and community accomplishments, Brad’s most important roles were those of husband, dad and ‘Pap’, by which he was lovingly known by his grandkids.
Brad is survived by his wife Mary Janette (also known as his “MJ”), his children Chelsea (Chad, whom Brad was planning to marry as their officiant this summer) of Cygnet, Ohio, Orion (Alexis) of Findlay, Ohio, Janette and Danae, who both reside in Brooklyn, New York. He was also the loving grandfather of Shannon (Logan) Schroen, Wyatt Snyder, and Josie and Luna Binder, and great-grandfather of Anthony Schroen. He also leaves behind his devoted companion and dog, Daisy.
Brad lived life to the fullest and pursued numerous hobbies, activities and games with enthusiasm, including sharing daily Wordle results with his family. He was an amateur chef, smoking meat, grilling on his barbeque and experimenting with preparing an array of delicacies, including fermented cabbage and mushroom ketchup. He was an avid outdoorsman, a nature enthusiast who enjoyed his hikes both in his hometown of Port and further afield. He had a passion for technology, both professionally and as a hobby. He often noted that he had ‘invented’ laser tag years before it came to market and created hoverboards out of old leaf blowers in his backyard shed. Finally, he was known for telling the most whimsical tales, never hesitating to take a bit of artistic license to entertain his audience. We can all take comfort that Brad now knows the truth about Big Foot.
Brad was preceded in death by his parents Marie and William. He is survived by his sister Cynthia (William) Daisley of Port Allegany, and three brothers: William Binder, II of New Jersey, Neil (Anna Margaret) Binder of Port Allegany, and Kirk (Nan) Binder of Borne, TX. He will also be remembered by his numerous nephews and nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and colleagues.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 22, with a gathering of family and friends from 9-11 am and a ceremony starting at 11 am. The celebration of life will take place at Alliance Church, 414 E Mill Street, Port Allegany, PA 16743.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Salt & Light Community Church, 105 Smith Street, Port Allegany, PA 16743.
Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, PA.
June 17, 2024 @ 1:23 pm
When Zoe Hatcher and I were first married and had twins on our one year wedding anniversary. And then another little one shortly after that. And another little one shortly after that… Brad and his beautiful sweet wife Mary Janette took us under their wings. They fed us — physically they fed us lots of meals. But they also fed us with a FEAST of wisdom. They listened to our woes with empathy and without judgment. Brad would chuckle those deep throated “BEEN THERE!” chuckles as he listened to our struggles. He would point us to the Word of God for answers. It wasn’t a dusty ancient book to him – it was ALIVE to him. He knew what it meant and how it applied to his life. He knew how it applied to his marriage, and to his kids.
His kids were teenagers, and they actually liked him. So I knew I had to learn everything I could from this man if I wanted my kids to actually like me some day.
Brad knew many of my darkest secrets. I could confess my struggles to him, and he knew what struggles looked like. And he would gently guide me to walking the right path.
You never had to worry about Brad Binder making you feel “judged.”
You might worry about letting him down, because doggone, you loved him, and you know he loved you. But no, he didn’t judge you.
I can still feel his hand on my shoulder praying for me. It was always supernaturally warm.
To Mary Janette and your beautiful children, I’m deeply sorrowful for your loss, and I know my grief and loss for Brad is pale compared to yours. I know what it’s like to lose a great man of that caliber. Men like that don’t leave holes in your heart, they leave massive craters.
I can tell you that I know your father’s heart. I know it because – he helped teach me how to be a father.
I know what he prayed for every morning when he woke up and what he prayed for every night before he went to sleep…. he prayed that his family would love the Lord, and they they would be blessed. So today, I’ll pray that prayer in his place for him!