Stanley "Stan" J. Handzel

Stanley "Stan" J. Handzel, 89, of Camillus, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 surrounded by his family. Born in 1927, he grew up in Utica and attended Utica Free Academy. At the age of 18, Stan enlisted in the US Navy and served on the USS Bennington as a seaman first class, being honorably discharged in 1946. He then returned to Utica and began his civilian career as a driver and dispatcher for ESSO (Exxon Co.). In 1951, Stan married his childhood sweetheart, Gladys Oczkowski, and together they lovingly raised eight children. He retired from Exxon in 1983 and continued his career working for Buckeye Pipeline for six additional years, finally retiring in 1989. Stan spent his retirement with family and enjoyed golfing, camping, fishing and winning card games. Stan was predeceased by his son, Michael S. Handzel, in 2007; brothers, Frank, Andrew and Joseph; and sister, Angela Handzel. Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Gladys; children, Lynne (Richard) Werner, Robert (Donna), Mark (Janet), Thomas (Endang), Susan (Bruce) Ecker and Nancy and Caren (Walt) Albertina; daughter-in-law, Linda J. Handzel; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends may call Monday, August 1 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A funeral Mass will follow at 12:30 p.m. in Holy Family Church. Stanley will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse, NY 13219. Share condolences at www.BuranichFH.com