(1931-2026)

Gil Binder, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, life partner, uncle, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 95.  Gil spent his early years on the Peninsula graduating from Newport News High School and later moved to Norfolk.

Gil lived a remarkable and deeply meaningful life marked by curiosity, adventure, service, and love. Strong yet gentle, brilliant yet humble, he touched countless lives through his warmth, generosity, and genuine care for others. He had a rare gift for leaving every person, every place, and every life experience better than he found it.

A true Renaissance man, Gil embraced life fully. He was a world traveler, avid sailor, master gardener, competitive Scrabble player, and lifelong student of the world around him. He found great joy in nature and remained connected to it throughout his life—tending his beautiful gardens and beloved fish pond until just three weeks before his passing.

Gil was also a cancer survivor whose resilience, determination, and appreciation for life reflected the strength of his character. He faced challenges with courage and continued to live with optimism, purpose, and gratitude.

Gil graduated from Virginia Tech and later earned a Master’s degree in Horticulture from Cornell University. Although his education began in the natural sciences, life took an unexpected turn after he met and married the love of his early life, Roberta Binder. Together they built a family and shared many years before her passing 22 years ago. Her memory remained an enduring part of his life.

Professionally, Gil built a successful career in insurance and estate planning, helping individuals and families prepare thoughtfully for the future. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he dedicated himself to serving others through volunteer work with Jewish Family Service, where he played an instrumental role in establishing the Personal Affairs Management Program (PAM). The program became recognized as a Model Program by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging and continues to support individuals and families today. Gil did not simply participate in his community—he helped shape it.

Gil was one of life’s fortunate souls who experienced true love twice.

In his later years, he found deep companionship and joy with his beloved life partner, Sylvia Kaplan. Together they built a beautiful blended family filled with laughter, love, and shared adventures.  They were so connected that they were fondly referred to as ‘Gilva’ (Gil+Sylvia).

Gil is survived by Sylvia Kaplan and her daughters, Lisa Stern and Bonnie Sterling, along with their spouses, children, and grandchildren.

He is also survived by his daughters, Dr. Lisa Barr and her life partner Kelly Hayes of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Dr. Shelley Binder and her husband Mark Knebusch of Knoxville, Tennessee; his granddaughter Becca Barr of Virginia Beach; and his grandson Josh Barr and his wife Felice Herman of Fairfax, Virginia and his step granddaughters Tamsin and Sara Keh.

His Coast Guard adventures, sailing stories, travels, gardens, and legendary Scrabble matches will continue to live on through family gatherings and cherished memories for generations to come.

Gil’s greatest accomplishment was not found in titles or achievements, but in the love he gave, the lives he enriched, and the example he set.

His memory will remain indelibly etched in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gil’s memory may be made to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater or the Norfolk Botanical Garden.  There will not be a formal funeral.  A Celebration of Life will be planned in the future.

Fair winds and following seas, Gil.

You were deeply loved and will be deeply missed.