Legendary Worcester lawyer dies at 89

  • Legendary Worcester Lawyer, Civil Rights Advocate Burton "Buddy" Chandler Passes Away at 89

    Burton "Buddy" Chandler

    WORCESTER – Burton "Buddy" Chandler, a legendary and beloved Worcester attorney, passed away on Saturday, April 15th at the age of 89.

    "He died of many illnesses, most of which were incurable, and he navigated through these illnesses quietly and calmly for many years," according to his obituary.

    Born in Worcester, Chandler was a lifelong resident who greatly loved the city.

    Chandler, a Harvard Law School graduate, spent 60 years as a partner at the law firm Seder & Chandler. He was known for his significant civil rights work in the 1970s and 1980s.

    Chandler was well-known for his charm, wit, and unwavering loyalty to friends, who say that anyone who became his friend would be so for life.

    In addition to his successful legal career, Chandler was a devoted husband to his wife, Harriette (Harlee) Levy, a former President of the Massachusetts State Senate, and a loving father to their 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

    "He had many hobbies and enjoyed vacations at their Ogunquit, Maine vacation home with family and friends," his obituary reads. "Perhaps Bud's foremost qualities were his wit, charm, and his loyalty to friends. It was said that anybody who became a friend of Bud's would be a friend for life."

    Funeral services for Chandler will be held at Temple Emanuel Sinai in Worcester on Tuesday, April 18th at 11 a.m., followed by interment at B'nai B'rith cemetery.

    Shiva will be at The Jewish Healthcare Center, 629 Salisbury St., Worcester 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, April 18th and at the Salisbury West Club House, 770 Salisbury St., Worcester, 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, and Thursday.

    In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Temple Emanuel Sinai General Fund or the American Civil Liberties Union.

    His obituary is here.

    What else is happening in and around Worcester? Click here or keep scrolling ⤵️

Announcements