Peter was born on January 27, 1940, in Rockland Centre, New York, to Benjamin Schwindt and Mari (Hessner) Schwindt. Peter attended the Kent School, studied philosophy at Yale and Heidelberg Universities, and graduated from Yale Law School. He practiced law in Manhattan as an assistant district attorney, and promoted court reforms around the country as Deputy Director of the Institute for Judicial Administration. In 1978, Peter moved to Maine. He served first as legislative staff to the taxation committee, then as Deputy Attorney General for James Tierney.
In October 1983, Peter married Trish Riley, his loving partner for 29 years. Peter then launched into a new career as entrepreneur, business owner, house designer, and political activist. He opened the first Apple dealership in Maine, Coastal Computer, with stores in Portland and Brunswick. Peter was what is termed an “early adopter” by market researchers.
He was a master of all new computer and internet-based software and gadgets. He amazed his friends by buying and selling cars over eBay. He developed an interest in energy efficient homes, and went on to design and build several classic houses that fit snugly into the Maine landscape in Harpswell and Fayette.
Peter was equally passionate about art, literature, music, and movies. He was known to unexpectedly introduce Dante or Hawthorne into a dinner time conversation. Peter was also passionate about public policy. He served on local boards himself, and was enthusiastic supporter and sounding board for his wife Trish’s health advocacy.
All of his life Peter was a skilled sailor, and could not wait for the weather to break in the spring to return to his beloved Orrs Island. There he commanded a shifting flotilla of sailboats, cruisers and dinghies.
Peter will be remembered for all of his accomplishments, but most of all he will be remembered for his warmth, his kind heart, his extraordinary smile, and his sharp wit.
Peter was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Paul.
He is survived by his wife, Trish Riley; his nieces; Eliza Clayton, Alexa and Kendra Schwindt; his nephews Toby Schwindt and Michael Barry; his sister in law Nancy Schwindt; his brother in law Robert Riley; and his friends who formed his extended family.
Peter loved the young people of the Maine People’s Alliance who shared his fervor for social justice as they came door to door asking for support. Thus, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Maine People’s Alliance at htttps://my.mainepeoplesalliance.org/, or to a social justice organization of your choice. A memorial will be held later in the month.
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