Melvin Eisenhandler

Eisenhandler, Melvin (Mel).
It is with great sadness that we announce that Melvin (Mel) Eisenhandler passed away on August 20th at 94 years old. Mel was born to the late Meyer and Lena Eisenhandler on April 29, 1921 in the Bronx, New York. Mel grew up in New York and was a true New Yorker. He was predeceased by everyone, including his seven brothers and sisters and their spouses and the love of his life, Roberta, who passed away last year. Roberta was his only girlfriend and his wife for 67 years.
Mel was a 1938 graduate of the Hebrew Technical School of the Bronx and a 1940 graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School. After graduation from high school, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Washington State. In February 1942, he arrived at Pearl Harbor doing ship repair as a civilian. He stayed in Hawaii for 2½ years before enlisting in the Navy in 1944. Upon his enlistment he served on numerous repair ships where he repaired the arresting gears on aircraft carriers and oxygen generators on submarines, repaired Higgins boat landing craft, and served as a hard hat diver. After the war ended he served on ships involved in transporting American soldiers back to the United States. In 1946, he arrived back in New York. Due to his knowledge of New York City, he was asked to serve as a chauffer for the many admirals visiting New York. When asked his opinion of the many notables he met, Mel used few words to describe them, calling Admiral Kincaid a "good guy." In later years, he met General Eisenhower whom he described simply as a "creep." When it was discovered he was taking the admiral's car out for joyrides at night with his friends and brothers, he was relieved of his duty. Mel was later honorably discharged from the Navy. Using the GI Bill, he attended New York University, from which he graduated in 1950. Later he would obtain his Master's degree from the University of Bridgeport.
Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s Mel moved with his family around the country serving as plant manager for various manufacturing companies. In 1964, he moved to Milford. Upon his arrival in Milford, Mel changed careers and became a teacher. He taught auto shop at West Haven High School for a few years before switching to Bassick High School in Bridgeport where he taught auto shop for many years until his retirement. He became very involved in his new hometown of Milford, volunteering for the Democratic Town Committee and boy scouts, and coaching junior major league baseball. He served for many years on the Board of Alderman, including a stint as Chairman of the Board of Aldermen in 1985 through 1987. As Chairman, whenever the Mayor was out of town, Mel became acting mayor. There was nothing he enjoyed more than riding around Milford in the mayor's car. Mel also served as a Police Commissioner in Milford for over thirty years, having been continuingly reappointed by both town political parties. Mel also served for many years on the Regional Water Authority's Representative Policy Board.
Those who knew Mel will always remember him as a true character and as a very positive person. He always had a ready smile and a quip. In later years, when asked how he was feeling, his response was always the same--"with my hands." He was actively involved in antiques buying, selling, and mostly collecting. With his sons and later his grandson he formed a business known as Eisenhandler and Sons Antique Auto Parts. On most Sundays he would go to various car shows, set up a table and sell old car parts. Mel and his wife also traveled extensively throughout the world.
Mel is survived by his son, Jon (Susan) Eisenhandler of Bristol, CT; his daughter, Lisa (Paul) Perrault of Newport, RI; his son, David (Maureen) Eisenhandler of Milford, CT and his son, Noah (Paula) Eisenhandler of Orange, CT. In addition, he is survived by nine grandchildren, Wesley, Ian, Sarah, Michaela, Rebecca, Graham, Ana, Ben, and Megan; and three great grandchildren, Madison, Jack and Elle.
All services will be private. The family requests donations in Mel's memory be made to The Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02477.
He will be missed.