Obituary of Roderick "Roy" O'Handley

It is with broken hearts we, the family, announce the untimely passing of Roderick (Roy) O’Handley. Roy passed away early morning Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at home. Born November 10, 1947, Roy was the son of the late Roderick and Sarah (MacNeil) O’Handley, Boisdale. He is survived by his daughter Michelle (Joey) Campbell, Sydney; Deanna (Sean), Toronto; Jennifer (Stephen), Sydney; Arleen (Troy), Moncton; sons Sean O’Handley and Daniel MacNeil; brothers John O’Handley, Halifax and Leonard O’Handley, Boisdale; sister Kathleen (John Allan) MacNeil, Sydney; 11 grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Madison, Brody, Nicholas, Nathan, Jordan, Tyler, Connor, Bailey, Matthew, Dawson, Chloe; brother-in-law Allan Petitpas; sisters-in-law, Theresa (Giorno) Hawco and Cathy Giorno; as well as several nieces, nephews and grand nieces/nephews. Roy was predeceased by his first wife, Valerie Petitpas in 2000 and by his second wife, Cecilia Giorno in 2020. Roy was also predeceased by his siblings Anne Marie (Joe d.) Donovan, and Gerard (Rhodena MacLean d.) O’Handley. He was also predeceased by his in-laws Annie and Joe Petitpas; Frank and Mary Giorno; and brothers-in-law Rico Giorno, Jake Hawco and Alfred Giorno. Roy worked with Municipal Ready Mix for over 35 years retiring in 2003. In retirement he volunteered at the Horizon Achievement Centre for many years. He and his wife Cecelia volunteered at MacGillivray Guest Home for several years before her passing. Roy was the kindest, sweetest, most lovable man you would ever meet. He had a love for Horse Racing, which he enjoyed watching at the Northside Downs, he was a big Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and Montreal Canadians Hockey Fan. His morning routine included meeting his buddies at Tim Horton’s on George St., then heading out for a walk on the boardwalk. He had a large circle of friends and he will be dearly missed by all. Special thanks to EHS for their compassion and care. Donations may be made to the Horizon Achievement Centre. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation & Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney 902-539-7175 where visitation will take place on Sunday, January 22, 2023, from 5:00pm–8:00pm. Funeral Service to be held at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish, 40 Cabot Street, Sydney on Monday January 23, 2023, at 11:00am followed by a reception at T.J. Tracey Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.