Morris H. Handler

HANDLER, Morris H. Morris H. Handler, 93, of Penn Drive, West Hartford passed away on Thursday, (September 7, 2006). He was born in Hartford, the son of David and Celia Handler. He was a graduate of Hartford Public High, Class of 1931B. He was married to the late Esther Saltzman Handler for 66 years until her passing in April, 2005. Morris was the owner of Handler Auto Service until 1966 and was the president of Industrial Services Corporation for 40 years. His primary social and community interest throughout his life-time was his overriding concern for the Jewish community and Israel, which was reflected by many leadership positions he held, such as President of the Jewish Historical Society from 1982 – 1987 and membership in the Zionist Organization of America, even before the founding of the State. In the ZOA, where he was a member of the National Executive Committee, he received the Lifetime Award in 1958, served as National honorary Vice-President, President of the Hartford chapter, and Vice-President of Connecticut ZOA. His interest in Israel was evidenced by years of work on behalf of Israel Bonds. He was an observant Jew, a member of Beth David Synagogue since 1950. He served as President for six years guiding the building of the new sanctuary in 1967, and for over 40 years was the Senior Gabbai. He was a regular in the synagogue with his attendance both morning and evening at services, even attending as recently as this past weekend. Morris was a confident and articulate man who will be missed by family and friends. He leaves his three children, two sons and daughters-in-law Phil and Maddy Handler of West Hartford, and William and Joan Handler of Simsbury, and daughter Lori Levi of Chestnut Hill, MA, and four grandchildren, Michael Handler and wife Susan of Seattle, WA, Dr. Alyssa Handler and husband Amato Bocchino of Beverly, MA, Shane Handler of Scottsdale, AZ, and Heather Handler of Brooklyn, NY. He also leaves four great grandchildren, Eli and Sadie Handler, and Evan and Arianna Bocchino, and a sister, Mini Wolf of Tampa, FL. He was pre-deceased by three sisters and a brother, Libby Fried, Ann Robbin, Rose Halprin, and Max "Marty" Handler, who died in World War II. Funeral services will be held TODAY, September 8, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford, with Rabbi Yitzchok Adler officiating. Interment will follow in the Beth David Synagogue Cemetery, Wethersfield. The family will receive visitors at 133 Penn Drive, West Hartford, Friday following the funeral until 7 p.m. and on Sunday and Monday from 6-8 p.m. with a minyan at 6:45 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to Beth David Synagogue, 20 Dover Road, West Hartford 06119. Arrangements entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions, or to share memories of Morris with his family, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.