Obituary of Thomas J. Handley

Thomas J. Handley, 89, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2017. He was residing in Washington, N.J. and had been a long-time resident of Elizabeth, N.J. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Margarethe, and his brother Edward. Tom is survived by sons Edward (Adrienne) and Marc (Debbie); grandchildren Anne, Matthew, Michael and Emily and a nephew, George. Tom is also survived by a step-son, Klaus Gull (Christine) living in Elixhausen, Austria and an extended family in Austria that includes Reinhard (Prisca) Gull, Berta Sporrer, Hannelore Mayr and Elfreide (Rudy) Haas. Tom was a WWII veteran, serving with the Occupational Forces in Austria. For 56 years he was a devoted leader and supporter of the Sea Scouts and the ship Sea Dart 228. He received numerous scouting awards for his service and dedication, including the Silver Beaver Award and the Sea Scout Leadership Award. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 8th from 2pm-4pm and 7pm- 9pm at the Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 W. Washington Avenue, Washington, N.J. 07882. The funeral Mass will be at St. Joseph's Church, Thursday, March 9th at 10 am in Washington, N.J. Burial will be at St. Gertrude's Cemetery in Colonia, N.J. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Sea Scouts, Sea Dart 228 c/o 25 Alice Lane, Clark NJ 07066. Tom is on his last cruise- Bon Voyage!