Michael John Handley

Michael John Handley, 75, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025 surrounded by his wife Patricia "Patti" and members of his loving family.
Our Michael had an incredible journey, writing a story uniquely his own.
He was born in 1949 in Portsmouth, England to Harry and Alice May (Heath) before returning to live in Stoke-on-Trent and by age 15 he entered the Royal Merchant Navy. His journey took him to Australia, where he had two beautiful daughters Tania Cann and Kym Meldrum, and three loving granddaughters Rose Cann, and Chaise and Indie Meldrum, who were the apple of his eye. Michael saw opportunities and he went boldly for them, starting his own company managing large scale renovation projects within the oil industry and beyond. His love of Australia was palpable, as you could often find him speaking about how it was the greatest place in the world, hands down. Everyone he met was a "mate" of his.
Michael's work ultimately brought him to America, where MJH Project operated around the country, and he became based in Columbus, Ohio. It was here, in 2012 that he met the great love of his life Patti, and lovingly inherited her huge family, including her two sons Joey and Jonathan, six siblings, and many nieces and nephews. Michael and Patti's adventures spanned the globe. Whether in Italy, the Caribbean, or visiting family in England, Michael's passion for living life was deeply evident. He would often travel across the world just to see his "Rosie", Chaise and Indie, to whom he will always be known as their sweetest "Granddad". He was the king of cracking bad jokes, always with a twinkle in his eye and often with a Stella Artois or Cosmopolitan in his hand.
Michael adored the home that Patti and he made. They hosted holidays, mixing traditions and giving bundles of gifts that they had thoughtfully picked out together. He relished regularly welcoming his granddaughters Molly and Claire, to whom he will always be known as their beloved "Pappy". He was an avid soccer fan, championing Stoke City FC, and after he met Patti, he embraced her family's obsession with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ohio State Buckeyes. His favorite foods were as eclectic as the life he lived, ranging from lamb, to beans on toast, to all of the spicy curries. He ate dessert every night and stayed active by taking walks with Patti. Upon retirement in 2023, he continued to work closely with his brother-in-law and dear friend Douglas Thayer, who took over MJH Project with pride.
Michael had a heart of gold. His incredible generosity could be felt by all that knew him and he left a legacy of love that will live on for all time.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard, and brother-in-law Kenneth "Butch" Grundy. He is survived by his wife Patti and her sons Joey Schultz (Joe Maloney) and Jonathan (Katie) Schultz; daughters Tania and Kym and granddaughters Rose, Chaise, Indie, Molly and Claire, as well as his grandson, who will be born this August; his Aunts Betty Holdway and Jean Heath; and cousins Carol and Mark Steele and their daughter Rachel (Carl) Uttley, and Neil and Janine Holdway and their daughters Harriet and Connie (goddaughter), and many other loved ones and "mates" all around the world.
American family members will gather in May for a private service, and a larger celebration of life will take place at a later date. Festivities will also undoubtedly be held in England and Australia, and continue throughout the years.
Donations to honor Michael and his incredible journey can be made in his name to the American Parkinson Disease Association or Prostate Cancer UK.