John Morlath Handlen

ORLEANS- Jack Handlen, 94 passed away Thursday, February 10, 2011 at the Pleasant Bay Nursing home in Brewster Mass. where he had resided for the past three years. He was the husband of Eunice M. (DelBianco) Handlen who passed in 1979.

Mr. Handlen was born October 25, 1916 in New York, NY, the son of John A. and Frances Handlen. He graduated from Trinity School in 1933.

Mr. Handlen enlisted in the Seventh Regiment of the US Army in 1940. Serving as an anti-aircraft officer, his regiment saw action in North Africa through Germany. He left the army in 1945 at the rank of Captain earning the Bronze Star.

Mr. Handlen opened a specialty retail store in 1959, The Cheese Shop of West Hartford in Ct.and owned that business until 1981 when he retired and subsequently moved to Orleans.

An avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast all of his life, Jack hiked various parts of the Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail and others. He was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, and regularly hiked with local hiking groups in and around Orleans. He also enjoyed cross country skiing in the winter, and took advantage of the Elderhostel program that allowed him to enjoy his love of the outdoors all through the country.

Mr. Handlen is survived by his son John A. Handlen, nieces Jane Dye and Susan Handlen, grand nephews James Dye, Frank Dye, and grand niece Ananda Khalsa.

Visiting hours will be from 4-7 pm Tuesday February 15 at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans.