Irene Handy

Irene “Renee” Handy (née Gochis) passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday evening, June 9, 2023.

Born in Manhattan in 1934, she was one of five siblings: Constantine, George, Helen, and Demetra. Her parents, Antonia and Stathos, immigrated from Greece and raised their family in a fourth floor walk up on the west side. She often told stories of her life as a young woman, of singing songs with her Richman High classmates, walking Fifth Avenue to watch for sales on the latest fashion, and going to Greek dances with her siblings.

After marrying her beloved husband and partner in life, Seth Handy, the pair moved to Long Island and raised five children of their own: Seth, Marguerite, Thomas, Christopher, and George. Family was central to Irene, and her house was often home to many additional siblings, cousins, parents, and friends. Irene often worked behind the scenes at the family store, Commack Hardware, and she was always ready to set a few extra places at the table. Irene and Seth led a household filled with love together until his passing in 1996.

Irene was a proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren: Katelyn, Emily, Thomas, James, Christopher, John, Connor, Jackson, Kayla, and Samantha, all of whom will remember her sharp sense of humor, her sweet tooth, and her constant affection. She would not let a visit pass without telling her family how much she loved them and how lucky she was. Her great grandchildren, George and baby girl soon to come, will grow up with stories of a beloved grandmother, mother, sister, and wife who we are all lucky to have known.