Obituary
Neil Handelman, age 94 of Chicago, passed away on the 19th Day of Cheshvan 5783, November 13, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Son of Fay (Lipman) and Sam Handelman. Devoted husband of 66 years to Leila (nee Schwartz); dear father to Sam (Janice), Bill, Sunny (Asher Hadas), Malka (Daniel Morris), and Jacob (Maxine); Dedicated brother to Lita (Fred) Goldklang. Adored grandfather to 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Neil grew up in Brooklyn amongst two sprawling families whose grandparents lived on the same block. During the Korean war he acted as a Corporal in the Army, then skied in Aspen for a year before accepting a job in Chicago. In 1954, in the YPL (Young People's League) he met Leila.
He was a talented and prolific photographer. In college he formed the NYU Outdoor Club and later the Chicagoland Professional Photographers of America. His studio, founded in 1958, brought color photography to Chicago and captured thousands of family Simchas for the Jewish Chicago community and beyond. He served as President of Shaare Tikvah synagogue. He was passionate about creating (and repairing) objects with his own hands, welcoming travelers into the home, lively Shabbat dinners, Israel, history, archeology, debating with family, and enjoying the outdoors.
Chapel service Tuesday, 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chicago Mitzvah Campaign, www.;chicagomitzvahcampaign.org. For information, to leave condolences and a link to view the service: www.shalom2.com, (847) 255-3520.