Edward Handlin

Saco

Edward Handlin of Saco, passed away in his home on Sunday, October 22, 2023 after several months of poor health. Ed Jr. was raised in Worcester Massachusetts, the eldest of two children. He graduated from Sacred Heart School, Assumption College, and earned a masters degree in counseling from University of Southern Maine. He met Peggy Smith at a college dance, married her in 1961, and had four children shortly after. They raised their family in Worcester, surrounded by family, then moved to Saco Maine in 1975, where long enduring friendships were formed. Several years after Peggy passed, he married Marlene Sylvester Kane.

Ed had several careers that brought him pride. He spent many years as a counselor specializing in alcohol and drug addiction. He left counseling to start his own business, Solid Fuel Depot, and worked in sales. Upon retirement, Ed spent winters in his beloved Venice Florida, where he stayed active golfing, kayaking, and joining community clubs with both old and new friends.

Ed was a lifelong Catholic and an active member of Most Holy Trinity Church serving on many committees and parish counsel. He was active in the Rotary Club of Saco and Biddeford and assisted with United Way and Lions Club charitable fundraising in Venice Florida.

Anyone who met Ed described him as a good man, a kind person, and a caring soul. Ed practiced and spoke about his faith throughout his life as a strong proponent of peace, equality, and humanitarian compassion. He gave his time and trust generously and helped people by giving to many charitable organizations, providing work opportunities, sharing resources, and welcoming them into his home.

Ed played basketball through high school, becoming the top scoring forward, and a longtime fan of the Boston Celtics. He enjoyed golf, kayaking, travel, listening to music, discussing politics civilly, nature walks, and reading spiritual and political books. Ed was very proud of his Irish heritage and his New England roots.

Ed loved family gatherings and celebrations. He is predeceased by his wife, Peggy Handlin, parents, Ed and Molly, and his sister and spouse, Patricia and Stuart Lawlor. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Marlene Kane and her family; his children and their spouses: Mary Kay and Joe Ramos, Patty and Dan Serrano, Meg Handlin and Christopher Jasonides, Ed Handlin III and Jodee Santry, 10 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and his sister in law, Mary Randall, along with many nephews, nieces, and close friends.

Visiting hours will be from 11:30am to 12:30pm on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James St., Saco.  A Funeral Mass will follow at 1:00pm, at Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco. Burial will take place at later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ed's name to the Saco Food Pantry, PO Box 246, Saco, ME.   https://www.sacofoodpantry.org/