Obituary of Stanley L. Handelman

On November 11, 2016 at age 87, He was predeceased by wives, Estelle and Ruth. He is survived by his children, Allen Handelman, Bruce Handelman, Jacob (Jeanne) Handelman, Paul (Mayumi) Handelman, Sabrina (Robert) Haber-Karr, Becca (Chris) Lupton; grandchildren, Emily, Jesse, Maya, Emma, Chloe, Etana, Saria, Leah, Rebecca, Joshua, Kai, Toma, Dakota, Eli, Asa, Gabriel, Sophia; brothers, Martin (Sherrie) Handelman, Chester (Phyllis) Handelman; sister, Baila (Arthur) Celedonia and dear friends. Sometime Thursday night into the morning of Friday November 11th, 2016 Stanley Lawrence Handelman passed away in his sleep in peace. He led a great life. Stan was born and raised in Brooklyn where grew up in and learned the value of a loving extended family. He also learned the value of friendship, with his “Sad Sacs” friends from Erasmus High School. From that point onward Stan forged and cherished friendships with many whose lives he touched. On to college at Washington & Jefferson in Western PA he immersed himself in intellectual and cultural pursuits which became deeply embedded in how he lived his life. He always encouraged others to look deeper, explore contrasting perspectives, and pursue practical and impactful knowledge and action. He became a master thinker and doer. From there he moved to Boston MA attending Tufts School of Dentistry where he embraced the profession he eventually had a profound influence in. In Boston he also met his first wife, Estelle, whose beauty & charm he was smitten by. After a stint serving in the US Public Health Officers Corps servicing members of the US Coast Guard in NJ & MD, Stan moved to Rochester with Estelle where they raised their family of four boys and where he set up his dental practice. Stan chose Rochester because of the existence of the renowned Eastman Dental Center so he could pursue his passion for discovery and excellence. As he settled in Rochester he blossomed as an accomplished woodworker and artist. He was committed to crafting beauty from wood to surround his family and to the peace and meditation his wood shop and dark room provided. In time Stan became Chairman of the General Dentistry Department where he oversaw the public clinic and a post-doctoral residency program he largely developed, leading to his profound impact on his profession. Upon his retirement he was recognized as the Father of Post-doctoral General Dentistry for his inspiring work to extend the training and research in dentistry. This work has touched lives and institutions around the world as many of his students took their experience at the Eastman Dental Center back to their communities and countries. After his wife Estelle passed, romance again was sparked when he married Ruth, his second wife. Together they shared 21 years of vibrant companionship and embraced being grandparents to their combined 17 grandchildren. After Ruth passed he was faced with dealing head on with challenges of Parkinson's Disease. Despite a consistent impact on his body, his mind remained active and creative. He had spent the last few years writing his memoirs reflecting on his family, friends and the many institutions that he has impacted and helped form. His life story is filled with humor, rich experiences and a profound respect for the many great men and women who touched his life and supported him in all that he accomplished. His funeral service will be held on SUNDAY (11/13/16) at 2:00 PM in Temple Beth-El (139 Winton Rd. So.) Interment to follow in Mt Hope Cemetery. People are welcome to join the Handelman Family as they sit Shiva at 334 Avalon Drive in Brighton on Sunday from 7 - 9 PM and Monday from 2 - 4 PM & 7 - 9 PM.