SOL HANDWERKER Obituary

HANDWERKER--Sol,

90, died courageously as he lived, while in Lenox, MA on September 24, 2016 surrounded by his immediate family. He is survived by Minnie, his loving wife of over 64 years, who cared for him until the end and will miss him beyond words. He is also survived by his children, Nora, Lloyd and Lisa, his grandchildren Noah and ILana AiDe, as well as daughter-in-law Leslie, and son-in-law Miguel, and extended family. All deeply mourn the loss of this incredible human being - witty, generous, and loving, and a man of honesty and great integrity. Sol was passionate about art and politics, an avid New York Times reader, the family documentarian, a prolific note-taker, tennis player, and food and chocolate enthusiast. He was never afraid to challenge the status quo, as exemplified by his labor, civil, and human rights activism, and engagement in all progressive politics. He volunteered for the Army in WWII. He was the last surviving child of Nathan and Ida Handwerker of Nathan's Famous Inc. and served as Vice President of Nathan's Famous for 10 years before leaving to start Snacktime Inc. in Manhattan. It was one of the best designed and highest quality fast food places of its time. Poignantly, he died on the same day a Coney Island Street, Nathan and Ida Handwerker Way, was named in honor of his parents. There are no words to describe how much he will be missed. He will forever be in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Doctors Without Borders, or Planned Parenthood.

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Published by New York Times on Oct. 9, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for SOL HANDWERKER

8 Entries

Hugh Brownstone

October 28, 2024

I loved the way Sol pronounced my name. I loved playing one-on-one basketball with Lloyd in the driveway at the Harborview house, but I can't imagine anyone inside would have enjoyed hearing the ball hit the backboard attached to it.

I loved taking the LIRR into Penn Station with Lloyd; walking a block to SnackTime where we'd grab a quick bite (we'd eat burgers and fries up in Sol's office); and then heading back to Madison Square Garden to watch post-season Knick games during the '69-'70 and '73-'74 championship seasons.

I loved going to camp with Lloyd; I loved going to tennis camp with Lloyd.

I loved filming Bony & Klutz with Lloyd as the gangster, Lisa as his moll and my sisters as bank tellers. That was my start in filmmaking.

It was Nora's 35mm film camera that led me to buy my first real camera, a Canon, of course, just like hers.

So much more to say, but nothing says it like this: although we reserved the terms "aunt" and "uncle" for blood relatives, if we hadn't limited them that way, Minnie and Sol would have been first on that branch of that extended family tree.

judson feder

October 26, 2016

On the occasions at which I met Sol, he always had a mischevious twinkle in his eye as he observed the mishegas around him. By his deeds and words, I saw his loving devotion to family.

Lisa and ILana AiDe

October 22, 2016

Today my beloved dad and my daughter's wonderful grandpa would have turned 91 years old. We miss him terribly. It is so painful to not be able to talk to him and wish him a happy birthday, hug him, hear him laugh and tell a joke, and to remind him
how much we love him.

October 10, 2016

May the loving support of family and friends, memories and prayers comfort and console you at this difficult time.

October 9, 2016

In times of pain its so comforting to know. That our god of love is. Looking our us to help us mathew 5:4

Hugh Brownstone

October 9, 2016

Four memories of so many more... 1) I remember taking the LIRR into the city with Lloyd during the '69-'70 and '73-'74 NY Knicks post-seasons, and first thing we'd do is walk over to Snacktime. Sol met us there -- always happy to see us -- and take us to his office where we'd wolf down eats before going back across the street to watch the great team of Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, Dick Barnett, and my personal favorite, Walt Frazier. 2) I remember celebrating Lloyd's birthday at the Nathan's in Oceanside. 3) I remember playing doubles with my dad, Sol & Lloyd. We lost badly. 4) I remember Sol was so passionate about politics that as a little boy sometimes I was actually frightened by him-- but here I am, 50+ years later, channeling him as I yell at the TV during the presidential debates. I get it, Sol. With love and affection, Hugh

Lisa and ILana Ai De Handwerker

October 9, 2016

My Dad, My Daughter's Grandpa,
Our hero. He was such an incredible loving, warm and supportive dad and an amazing grandpa. We miss him so much. I can't imagine our lives without him.
Lisa and ILana AiDe

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