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 Theodore J. Handerek
April 19, 2004
Theodore J. Handerek, 80, of 20 Howard St. died Monday at home.
Born in Pittsfield on May 26, 1923, son of John and Frances Byrdy Handerek, he was a 1941 graduate of Pittsfield High School. He completed several human service courses at the University of Massachusetts and the former North Adams State College in order to obtain certification as a licensed certified social worker.
He enlisted in the Coast Guard during World War II, serving from 1942 until 1946.
He was appointed the veterans' service agent for Pittsfield in 1949 and served until his retirement in 1992. His tenure was the longest of all veterans' service officers in Massachusetts.
An activist for many veterans' organizations and for community affairs, he was an honorary life member of the Charles A. Persip American Legion Post 68, where he was the post commander and a member of the National Committee of Legislation-American Legion, Adjutant; past officer and past president of the Massachusetts Veterans Service Office Association; a service officer for American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and the VFW; and director of rehabilitation for the American Legion of Massachusetts.
He was also a life member and past president for five years at the Polish Community Club, where he was the present treasurer; president of the Pittsfield Credit Union for six years; past director of the former St. Luke's Hospital; a life member of VFW Post 448 and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15; a member of the advisory board for the American Red Cross, and a life member of the Holy Family Church, where he was a choir member.
Mr. Handerek was a current member of the economic commission and a past commission distinguished guest of The Veterans Association and Rehabilitation, and a trustee and vice president of the Holyoke Soldiers Home, where he had been reappointed by three governors.
A former coach of CYC basketball and American Legion baseball, he was one of the originators of the Pop Warner football league in Pittsfield.
His wife, the former Doris Ranotto, whom he married Nov. 19, 1949 in Mount Carmel Church, died Aug. 5, 1998.
He leaves a son, Theodore "Chip" Handerek of Pittsfield; two daughters, Diane "Dee" LaPointe and Christine L. "Chris" Peralta, both of Pittsfield; and a sister, Mary Heronen of Tujunga, Calif., and six grandchildren.
FUNERAL NOTICE -- Theodore J. Handerek, age 80, died Patriot's Day, April 19, 2004. The funeral will be Friday with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 in Holy Family Church with the Rev. John T. Smegal, his nephew and godson, celebrating.
Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours are today from 3 to 7 at the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME, 40 Maplewood Ave. If friends desire, memorial donations may be made to American Legion Post 68 or to the Sisters of St. Joseph in care of the funeral home.
Also, the beloved grandfather to Alesandra LaPointe, Olivia, Eva Marie and Lily Ann Handerek, Ariana and David Peralta. He leaves his daughter-in-law, Marianne Duane-Handerek, son-in-law, Lance LaPointe, and sisters-in-law, Norma Ranotto and Diana Ranotto.
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