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Funeral services for Gregory W. Binder, 58, Rock Island, are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Rock Island.
Burial is at Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island. Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Friday at Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline, where a Trisagion prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. George Church.
Greg died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, at his home.
He was born March 5, 1951, in Rock Island, the son of Don and Norma Stark Binder. He graduated from United Township High School in 1969. He attended Black Hawk College and St. Ambrose College.
He was the custodian at St. George Church, and also had worked at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, East Moline. He was an accomplished painter, enjoyed collecting books and had a passion for history. He dearly loved his nieces and nephew. He also loved his cat, Moonzie.
Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, John and Patricia Thodos, East Moline; nieces, Daryn (Nick) Passini, Stephanie Thodos and Shannon Thodos; and a nephew, Lance Cpl. Chris Thodos. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his stepfather, Steve Thodos.
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Diane Saltzman (Tillman)
When I think of Greg, and I do from time to time when remembering Art Club and Mr. Small's classes, I always smile and shake my head. Greg had so much artistic talent- who could forget his finely detailed painted rocks and fantastic copies of the Masters?!I only hope some of his art lives on after him.W. Kim Croxton
Our mothers were great friends but she died while Greg was a junior. I know this was very difficult for him as it would be for any kid. Greg had great talent and a good heart, his art was unique and I hope it's still being enjoyed as much of it was superb. Greg you are another one who left too soon. Thanks for the gifts you gave us.Paula Heinze (Collins)
From Paula (Heinze) Collins:
I went to school with Greg ever since I moved to Silvis - from 4th grade through high school. In 4th grade he and I used to hang out after school inside this amazine hollow tree in the forest, and we would watch cartoon filmstrips on the inside wall of the tree using his "Give A Show" projector. He said that since he was a boy and he was my friend, that he was my "boyfriend." I remember getting in big trouble a few times with my Mom, because I would come home late for dinner, because I had been with Greg.
In high school, I bought one of Greg's paintings. It's a painting of the full moon at night, seen through the silhouettes of some trees - all done up in shades of blue and black. Greg only charged me $10 for it, and he said that was only to pay for the frame. This painting still hangs in my bedroom, as it has for all these years. So I have an original Binder.
I lost touch with Greg after high school, but was very sad to hear of his death. He was a sweet and kind soul, and I will always remember him with fondness.