Robert A. Handly

On May 8th, 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Handly was freed from the struggles of this life and entered eternally imperturbable peace. He died of complications of exposure to Agent Orange, which occurred during his Army service in Vietnam.

Robert was born at Mitchel Army Air Base, Long Island, NY on August 31st 1945 to Russell and Regina (Gravelle) Handly. The son of a soldier, Bob lived in Fort Bragg, NC; Rutland, VT; Yokohama, Japan; Metuchen, NJ and Vincentown, NJ. He graduated from Trenton State College and entered the US Army in 1967. His 22 years of military service included time at Fort Shafter, HI; Fort Bragg, NC, Vietnam, Fort Dix, NJ; HQ 28th Division, the PA Army National Guard and the Army Reserve in Harrisburg, PA. During his military service Robert earned a Bronze Star, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

He earned an MBA from Shippensburg University and retired from civil service with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2005.

Robert was a dedicated family man and centered his life around his wife and children, of whom he was very proud. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 55 years Eileen Waraksy; a daughter, Heather O’Toole of Carlisle, PA, her husband, Christopher and her daughter, Julia who held a very special place in Robert’s heart; a son, Dr. Brian Handly of Mechanicsburg, PA, and his wife, Erin. He is also survived by his brother Richard Handly and his wife Carol, his sister Rhonda Handly and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his sister, Rita Mulrey.

Robert was a spiritual man and one with a deep love of his country. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame sports, Johns Hopkins lacrosse and the New York Yankees. He was a life member of the Military Officers Association and the American Legion. He gave willingly to the Carlisle Salvation Army, Four Diamonds, Disabled American Veterans, Project Share and the American Heart Association.

Robert was the eternal optimist even with his serious health issues. He was liked and respected by everyone with whom he came in contact. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Hoffman Funeral Home, 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle. Visitation will begin at 10 am, followed by a memorial service at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a charitable contribution in Bob’s name may do so to the Four Diamonds.