Michael Dean Handy

Michael Dean Handy, 84, of Southbridge, Massachusetts, formerly of Medway, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2026, following a brief illness.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, on October 22, 1941, he was the oldest child of Marion and Samuel Handy. Raised in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, among his four siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, Mike was an avid athlete from a young age. He was among the first boys drafted into the newly formed St. Johnsbury Little League and played football and basketball for St. Johnsbury Academy, graduating in 1959. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1960 and served in Germany during the Berlin Crisis.

After an honorable discharge, Mike returned to St. Johnsbury in 1963, where he met Betty Hanley. They married on November 14, 1964, and shared 44 years together until her passing in December 2008. Their two sons were born in St. Johnsbury. The family lived in Brant Rock, Massachusetts, where Mike managed the Marshfield Package Store, before moving to Van Nuys, California, in 1978. There, he worked as procurement manager at UCLA Medical Center, overseeing more than 20 surgical operatories. In 1991, they moved to Dillon, Colorado, where he served as procurement manager for the Keystone Symposia, coordinating conferences on molecular biology across the country. They returned to Massachusetts in 1995, settling in Medway, where Mike worked as sales manager for Cambridge Healthtech Institute until his retirement.

A charter member of the Marshfield Elks Lodge #2494 from its founding in 1973, Mike was also a member of the VFW and American Legion. He loved horseracing, gambling, and all sports. Known for making friends wherever he went, he never met a stranger and was cherished for his dry wit and sense of humor. He had a special personalized line for each person in his life that he would repeat to bring a smile. As one cousin remembered, “Michael was our whole family legacy.” He shared a special bond with his grandfather Handy as a boy, just as his grandsons were his favorites.

In 2010, Mike met Diane Trahan. They married in May 2013 and spent their years together between Florida and New England, returning in 2019. Diane remained by his side throughout his final weeks.

Mike is survived by his wife Diane Trahan of Southbridge, his son Rich and Ann Handy of Franklin, his daughter-in-law Cathy Handy of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, his grandsons Christopher Handy of Franklin and Marc McCullock of St. Johnsbury, his siblings Linda Sparks of Westmore, Vermont, Netcy and Barb Handy of Georgetown, Texas, Jeff and Terri Handy of Gainesville, Florida, and Andi Handy of Georgetown, Texas, along with his sister-in-law Marie and Richard Paradis of Greenville, North Carolina, brothers-in-law Ed and Linda Timson and Carroll Macie of Lunenburg, Vermont, Ronald and Judy Trahan of Wadsworth, Illinois, Diane’s children Anthony Ziolkowski and Marissa Ziolkowski of Coventry, Rhode Island, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, first wife Betty Hanley Handy, son Mark Handy, grandson Alex Handy, brothers-in-law Dr. J. Michael Sparks, Harry Hanley, Bobby Hanley, and sister-in-law Neva Macie.