Richard F. Handrahan

 

Wellsville, NY - Richard F. Handrahan, 92, of 12 Johnson Street, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 17, 2014 shortly after arrival at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born February 20, 1921 in Canandaigua the only son of the late Charles and Sophia (Fellows) Handrahan. On April 16, 1947 he married Alberta Sherwood who predeceased him on May 27, 2001.

Richard worked long hours at his brother's "filling station" growing up. In his senior year his history teacher met him at the gas station to give him his final exam so he could assure his entrance to Dartmouth College. He attended the school for a short while but never felt like he belonged. On Jan 12 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was a Tech /Sgt. and flew bombing missions in the Balkans, North Apennines, Rhineland, Rome-Arno and Southern France. Richard was honorably discharged in September of 1945. He was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal by the Honorary Counsel of France last year in a ceremony in his honor at the American Legion in Wellsville, NY. Richard spent his life as a car salesman. He was most proud of being made Buick Sales Master while employed at Hetzel-Dean Motors in Wellsville, where had resided since 1947. He was a member of the Elks Lodge # 1495, the Frank B. Church Post  2530 VFW and the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion.

Surviving are two daughters, Suzi (Bill) Dean of Florida and Mary Jane Allen of Texas, eight grandchildren, Candra Dean and Shannan Dean-Long both of Florida, Aurelia Cavanaugh, Jon Bolero, and Eric Bolero all of Texas, Michael Handrahan and Patrick Handrahan both of Arizona, and Allison Thatch of California, twenty great grandchildren, crossword buddy, Bill Elliott, "personal assistant" Laura Kintner and a town full of caring people. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a son, Michael in July of 2005.

The family is planning a memorial service to be scheduled at later date. Donations can be made in his name to the American Legion Post 702 in Wellsville, the Allegany County Office for the Aging, the New York Special Olympics, or the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

"GO St. LOUIS CARDINALS!"