Joseph E. "Jay" Handley Print

Joseph E. “Jay” Handley

Beloved Brother, and uncle;


Joseph E. “Jay” Handley, 64, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, passed away on Wednesday, July 6th at Tufts New England Medical Center after a brief illness.

Born in Exeter, New Hampshire on August 2nd, 1957, the son of the late John M. and the late Gertrude A. (McKeon) Handley, Jr., he attended Chelmsford Schools and was a graduate of Chelmsford High School in the class of 1975.

Jay was a co-owner and operator at the Chelmsford Gift and Basket Shop for over 40 years, where he started working at a young age. He and his brother, Jack also operated many successful retail businesses in various locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He was a member of the Chelmsford Business Association.

He had a love for reading, traveling, watching historic documentaries, classical music, spending time with his many friends and acquaintances, and time that was spent near the ocean or on the beach.

Jay is survived by a brother and his partner John M. “Jack” Handley III of Westford, MA; a sister Julie A. Handley and her husband Charles Hoar of Brighton, MA; and six nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Jane M. Carrigg, who passed away in 2011.

At his request all services were held privately for the family. E-condolences at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com.  Those wishing may make contributions in his memory (on behalf of other family members who are deceased) to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452. (https://wwwalz.org/donate). Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – LOWELL – MA - (978) 458-8768.

Condolences (6)
  • Sheila Pichette
    Jack and Julie, I send condolences in the passing of your brother. Jay was always a welcoming person who will be missed by many. Sheila Pichette
  • Bernie & Maggie - Up in New ha
    Jack - some how we stumpled across this and ... we are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your younger brother Jay. As you know, we worked for your Dad (and Mom) and then later meeting you. We also met, one time, Jay who came with you up to the Weirs Store. Both our families grew up very similar to yours and so, we know both "close families" and then "deep loss". We loved your Dad and Mom and we believe - it was they who directed us to learn of your loss so that we could send to you our deepest sorrows and sincerest condolences. As we all learn in life ... we are all in this together. Live strong, Jack, "in honor" of lost loved ones - as it's the only way. So sorry for your loss. - Bernie & Maggie
  • Dick Johnson
    Jack. Just found out about Jay this evening. So sorry for your and Julie’s loss . I can even remember when he was born . You hadn’t been on Bowl Rd for that long
  • Dick Johnson
    Jack and Julie. I just found out about Jay’s passing this evening. Really sorry to hear . I remember the day he was born and you telling me you just had a brother.
  • Sandra Leland
    Jack and Julie, We are so very sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Les and Sandy Leland
  • Donna Johnson
    We are so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. He was always friendly and accommodating whenever we visited in the store in Chelmsford Center. He will be missed by many customers and friends and by brother Jack. Warm regards, Donna and Rhodes
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