In Memoriam: Peter A. Hinrichs

From Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home.

Peter A. Hinrichs died on March 12, 2016 in Greenwich, after a valiant struggle with cancer. He was 58 years old and a lifelong resident of Greenwich.

Peter was a graduate of Avon Old Farms School and Curry College. He was a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church of Greenwich, Round Hill Club of Greenwich, New York Yacht Club, La Confrèrie des Chevaliers du Tastevin and a life member of The Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York.

Peter was a co-founder of several financial and investment management companies during his business career, notably RXR, Inc. and SSARIS Advisors LLC of Wilton, Connecticut of which he was Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer. His spirit of entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency came from his great-grandfather, Alexander D. Henderson who was co-owner of Avon Products, Inc.

His business partners have said "Peter was loved by his fellow partners and employees because of his inspirational leadership. Peter did not speak about how to behave, he taught us through his daily behavior. Peter's work ethic, proper manners to all, passion for our company and the willingness to sacrifice for the common good made him the true leader he is. He will be missed."

Peter was a passionate collector of old books, particularly those of nautical history, an interest inspired by the legacy of his great, great grandfather, notable Sandy Hook pilot Captain Joseph Henderson, who assisted in escorting the French steamer Isère and its cargo, the Statue of Liberty, into New York Harbor.

Peter loved the outdoors, having been a competitive sailor, sporting clays shooter, avid skier and paddle and tennis player. He was an enthusiast of architecture and landscape design. He was known for his detailed plans and his relied-upon ability to keep his family, friends and business associates on course with a ready solution. Peter was never without his trusty Swiss Army Knife, always at the ready for those many times one was needed.
Peter showed respect and concern for all those he encountered. He was widely known as an attentive listener who genuinely cared about others, especially those less fortunate. He was a long serving board member of Fountain House of New York where his kindness and compassion touched the lives of many.

Most of all, Peter deeply loved his family and cherished his time with his wife, Susan and children, Charlotte and Colin. Weekend hockey and lacrosse tournaments allowed for valuable time together and were among his favorite activities. Family gatherings in Hobe Sound, FL, Wolfeboro, NH, Nantucket Island, or on one of those special Hinrichs family vacations were also cherished.

Peter is survived by his wife, Susan S. Hinrichs and their children, Colin H. and Charlotte A. Hinrichs of Greenwich. He is also survived by his brother, Robert S. Hinrichs and his wife, Anne of Guilford, VT, his sisters, Susan H. Thomas of Keswick, VA, and Sally H. Larson of Eagle Springs, NC; his uncle, Alexander D. Henderson III and wife, Donna of Carmel, CA, and his half-uncle, A. Douglas Henderson of Lexington, KY and Rancho Santa Fe, CA; 10 nieces and nephews, and six step-brothers and sisters.

Peter was predeceased by his father, Stuart W. Hinrichs, his mother, Mary Ella Griswold and his step-father, John S. Griswold.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday April 9, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 954 Lake Ave., Greenwich.

As a tribute to Peter, please consider donations to Fountain House Inc., 425 West 47th Street, New York in his memory.