Fred David Handler

Fred David Handler

COVINGTON, La. - Fred D. Handler, 92, of Covington, a beloved father, husband, grandfather, uncle, mentor, coach, teacher and dear friend, peacefully passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Covington.

Whether walking through the halls of the Reilly Center on the campus of St. Bonaventure University, sitting on the back deck on the Five Mile in Allegany, N.Y. or relaxing on the "torch porch" in Fairhope, Ala., you could not miss the smell of Fred's aromatic smoke from his corn cob pipes. A consummate Bears and Cubs fan, you would most likely find Fred in conversation with students, fellow colleagues, his children, their children and friends as he shared his experiences in a most humble and selfless manner.

His children and wife, Arleen, are constantly reminded by others of the immense impact Fred had on those whose lives he touched. In his role as an educator, coach and community leader he changed the fortunes and improved the lives of countless people. Fred was in a unique position to help so many people, yet he never sought out any acknowledgement. He taught that character and effort were more important than talent.

Born Dec. 3, 1932 in Chicago, Ill., he was the son of Fred and Helen Handler. On Nov. 24, 1956, he married Anita C. English, who predeceased him in 2006. On June 26, 2008, in Fairhope, he married the former Arleen Rosner-Barwick, who survives.

Fred graduated from DePaul Academy in Chicago, and went on to graduate in 1954 from St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind. After spending two years in active duty in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. he earned his M.S. in physical education with a minor in general science from Indiana University in Bloomington in 1959 and an M.A. in history from St. Bonaventure in 1976.

Fred started his career at St. Bonaventure University in September 1959 as an instructor in the physical education department and as head baseball coach. He held the latter role until 1982. After being promoted to assistant professor and professor, Fred was ultimately named chairman of the physical education department in 1986 and chairman emeritus in 2002. He was the assistant varsity basketball coach and head scout at St. Bonaventure from 1960-1970. During his time at St. Bonaventure he authored various publications and co-authored a book: Coaching Winning Basketball in the Offensive Zone.

In 2006, the new baseball diamond at St. Bonaventure, Fred Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field, was constructed and dedicated. A basketball court in the Richter Center on the Bonaventure campus is named after Fred as well.

Fred was inducted into the St. Bonaventure Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992, the St. Joseph's College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002 and the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021.

Fred and Arleen blended their families: Fred's children, Fritz (Kathy) Handler of Barrington, Ill.; grandchildren, Gus (Katie) and Sam; great-grandchildren, Mila and Caroline, Kurt (Tracy) Handler of Woodstock, Ga.; grandchildren, Reid (Kaitlyn), Alexandra, Kacy and Morgan, Lisa (Michael Cleary) Handler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin., Eric (Elizabeth) Handler of New Rochelle, N.Y.; grandchildren, Max and Mackenzie and Kirsten (Kevin Fulgencio) Handler of Lakewood, Ohio; and Arleen's children, Charlie Rosner, Julie Rosner (Don Coffey) Lazzari of Henderson, N.C.; grandson, Alex Porterfield and Hans (Debbie) Rosner; grandchildren and great-grandson.

Fred, also survived by nephews and a niece, was predeceased by his parents; and by his sister, Joan.

A funeral mass and a celebration of Fred's life will be held in Allegany at a later date.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the St. Bonaventure University Baseball Program c/o Steve Mest, P.O. Box G, St. Bonaventure, NY 14778. Please write "In Memory of Fred Handler" on the memo line.