John Gerald Handyside passed away at Angela Hospice in Livonia on Friday, August 18, 2017 at the age of 81. John was born on May 13, 1936 in Blawnox, Pennsylvania, the son of Gerald and Dorothy ( nee Schnieder ) .
After finishing high school, he joined the United States Air Force serving four years, some of that time in Greenland in air traffic control. After his return from serving his country, he met and in 1961, married the former Mary Louise " Tootsie " Pecak. Mary passed away on April 3, 2008. After their marriage, the couple moved to Michigan residing first in the Redford area and then moving to Canton Township. They were founding members of St. John Neumann parish in Canton. John worked as a sales representative for Satterlund Supply Company, dealing in piping and valves retiring in 2002.
John was an avid golfer and a fan of his Pittsburg Steelers and Pittsburg Pirates. But above everything else in his life, John was a devoted family man. His wife, children and grandchild meant the world to him.
He is survived by his children, Cathleen Handyside and Dr Edward ( Dr. Lisa ) Handyside along with his grandson, Evan G. Handyside and brother, William Handyside.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 3 pm until 8 pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth. A Scripture Service will be held at 7 pm.
Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 9:30 am until the time of the funeral mass at 10 am at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 Haggerty ( south of Five Mile ) Plymouth.
Contributions are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.