Harry E. Handler

Harry Handler passed away at home on December 2, 2015, after a brief illness. He was born on March 11, 1925, in Butte, Montana, to Katherine O’Leary Blumkin and Harry E. Blumkin. His father died when he was a young boy, and after his mother remarried William Handler, the family moved to Seattle, Washington, where Harry finished high school and entered the University of Washington. His college years were interrupted by WWII, and after training at Camp Roberts, he joined the 96th Infantry Division and fought in the Battle of Okinawa, finishing his tour of duty in the Philippines. After the war, he returned to his studies and completed his Ph. D in Physics at U.C.L.A. in 1955. He accepted a position as Senior Scientist, Hanford Atomic Products Operation, General Electric Company, and worked there before joining the faculty of the US Naval Postgraduate School in 1958. Professor Handler published scientific papers in the fields of nuclear and reactor physics, and he was a member of several professional societies and associations. In l966 Professor Handler took a year’s leave of absence to become Director of the Research Analysis Corporation in Vietnam. At the end of the year he returned to teaching at the N.P.S., where he was known as a demanding and dedicated professor. He was admired and respected by his students and affectionately known as Hatchet Harry. He was honored to receive the Schieffelin Award for excellence in teaching in 1986 and nominated to receive the Allen Griffin award the next year. Harry was active in his community and enjoyed many interests; among them were music, travel, poker, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles. He had a sharp wit, was an unflagging punster, and he loved to share a good joke. He played recorders regularly with several early-music consorts, and he served on the board of the Chamber Music Society for many years. He was a devoted and loving husband, uncle and step father and a beloved grandfather to 11 step-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Patricia Handler; nephews Peter Christensen of San Jose, and Niels Christensen of Denmark; niece Kathi Christensen of Denmark; and step children T. Edward Hall of South Carolina, Celeste Hall of Monterey, Heather Hall of Northern California, and Holly Hall of Seattle, Washington. Harry was predeceased by his brother, Edwin Handler and his sister, Marcia Christensen. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no ceremony at this time. Upon learning of Harry’s passing, a long-standing colleague remarked, “The world will be darker without Harry in it.” A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Chamber Music Monterey Bay or a charity of the donor’s choice.