Obituary of Peter A. Handley

Peter Arthur Handley was born on the first anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1945 in Toronto, Ontario, soon after his father had returned from serving in the Second World War. The second of four children, he was and remained a devoted and caring advocate for his sister, Virginia, who was born with special needs.

Peter was a very gifted student, and earned a Bachelor of Applied Mathematics from the University of Waterloo. He entered the field of computer science in the 1960’s, when the profession was in its infancy. He spent his career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber, and loved his work.

Peter married Sharon Donogh in 1983 in the Toronto apartment they shared. They soon welcomed two daughters, Susannah and Jennifer, whom he adored. The family moved to Silver Lake, Ohio in 1992. Peter and Sharon built and rebuilt lives together in Ontario and in Ohio, forging and strengthening their unique and loving partnership.

Peter retired in 2009 and found endless ways to enjoy his well-earned time off. Having cheered on his daughters in community theatre plays as they grew up, he discovered a love of performing himself, and played many memorable characters, including Gandalf the Grey and Ebenezer Scrooge. Peter also nurtured a love of music, working diligently on becoming a better vocalist through lessons and practice, and performing regularly at his church, and with the Hospitality Singers.

Peter had a textbook-like memory for history. Long before Google, one could look up the details of any event by asking Peter. He remained intellectually curious to the end of his life, pursuing many creative projects, including designing an investment computer program, and building a LEGO train set so elaborate it encompassed half of the basement.

Peter’s relationship with Jesus Christ was central to his life, and the source of his deepest and most fulfilling friendships. He began attending Stow Presbyterian Church in 2002, and eventually became Clerk of Sessions. Peter devoted countless hours to Bible study and prayer with friends, and his faith shone through in his generous nature, which everyone who knew him experienced.

Peter is survived by his wife, Sharon, daughters, Susannah (Matthew McGeachy) and Jennifer (Ian MacIntyre), granddaughter, Eleanor, sister, Virginia, brother, Robert, nieces and nephews, and many loving friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, December 3rd at Stow Presbyterian Church, with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stow Presbyterian Church or to ANTIC, Inc.