Joel Handelsman

Service : Friday, October 16th at 12:00 pm
Service Location: Graveside Service
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Shiva Information

Handelsman Residence
24723 W. Nippersink Road
Round Lake, Illinois 60073

Following interment until 6 PM

Contributions
American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org
Nature Conservancy
http://www.nature.org
Orphans of the Storm
http://www.orphansofthestorm.org/donate/

Joel Handelsman, 75, passed away on October 7, 2026 after an extended illness. He was the beloved husband for 45 years to Mary, nee Myrtle; devoted son of the late Max and Norma; cherished brother of the late Joanne (the late Neil) Schwartz; dear brother-in-law of Beth (the late Robert) Pechous, Ruth (Scott) Jordan, and John (Patti) Myrtle; treasured uncle of Scott (Darla) Schwartz, Rebecca (Cody) Riggan, Tim Pechous, Cora Pechous, Kristina (Joey) Kerper, Sarah (Dwayne) Bernstein, Cody Jordan, Jeremy (Leslie) Myrtle, Cory (Erin) Myrtle, Rebecca (Joel) Johnson, and the late Amy Schwartz; proud great-uncle of many. Joel graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and then attended DePaul College of Law, where he met his beloved wife. He devoted his career as a Senior Legal Editor to Commerce Clearing House, which later became Wolters Kluwer, working as they transitioned from hot-lead printing to computer, then daily reporting, and ultimately the internet, receiving awards for his work. Joel had a deep love for music of many genres and enjoyed attending live concerts with Mary and a long-time circle of friends. An avid audiophile, he spent his free time crafting loudspeakers and building high-end stereo systems. He had a love for nature and the environment with a weakness for anything furry and enjoyed many pets. Joel will be tenderly remembered for his sunny smile, positive attitude, and the indelible mark he left on this world. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org, the Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org, or Orphans of the Storm, www.orphansofthestorm.org/donate/.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 16 at 12:00 PM at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Road (enter off of Wilke), Arlington Heights. For a link to view the service, shiva information, and to leave condolences, visit www.shalommemorial.org or call 847-255-3520.