Peter William Kolbe Obituary

Obituary

Peter William Kolbe, 88, Holocaust survivor, devoted family man, and community leader, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Peter William Kolbe, born June 28, 1936, in Vienna, Austria, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A Holocaust survivor, Peter fled Austria as a toddler with his parents in 1939 on one of the last ships out, a journey that shaped a life of resilience, purpose, and compassion. He earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston and built a life grounded in deep commitment to his family, faith, and community.

Peter was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, uncle, and friend. He sent his daughters to Jewish day schools, reflecting his deep dedication to Jewish education and identity. He served on the Board of Directors at both Temple Shaare Tefilah in Norwood, Massachusetts, and later at Beth Am in Margate, Florida. He sang joyfully in the Kolenu choir in the Boston area and in the Beth Am choir after moving to Florida.

Later in life, Peter became a passionate advocate for Holocaust education, visiting schools to share his story and ensure the memory of the Shoah would endure. His Holocaust testimony is permanently preserved by the USC Shoah Foundation, ensuring that his voice and story will continue to educate future generations.

A lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, Peter’s love for the team never faded. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Miriam (Mimi) Kolbe (née Silverman), and by his beloved stepson, Rabbi Seth David Binus.

Peter is survived by his loving wife, Alixandra Kolbe; his daughters Lisa Kolbe-Beard (Stephen Beard) and Andrea Kolbe (David Macomber); and his stepsons Ari Binus (Jackie Binus) and Yoni Binus. He will be remembered with love, admiration, and gratitude by all who knew him.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Child Survivors Hidden Children of the Holocaust (CS/HCH) – Checks only

℅ Zelda Fuksman

6061 Palmetto Circle N., B204

Boca Raton, FL 33433

or

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

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