Neil Jay Handelman, September 30, 1935 – July 25, 2025
Neil Handelman, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and lifelong St. Louisan, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025 at the age of 89. He was the beloved husband of Natalie Handelman (Oxenhandler) for 68 years, proud father of four daughters, and the heart of a large and loving family.
Born to Lester and Frieda Handelman in 1935, Neil was the eldest of three sons. He grew up in University City and later Ladue, attending Clayton High School, where he captained the baseball team and made lifelong friends. After graduating from the University of Missouri, Neil served with honor as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, most notably a deployment aboard the USS Wiltsie in the Western Pacific.
Following his service, Neil returned to St. Louis to join the family business, California Manufacturing Co. He worked alongside his father and brothers for nearly 50 years, becoming President and having the opportunity to work alongside the third generation for decades more. His leadership helped grow the business into what is now known as CMCBrands, a legacy that thrives from his guidance.
Neil met the love of his life, Natalie, as a teenager. After admiring her on the Meadowbrook Country Club diving board, he declared, at just 15 years old, that he would one day marry her. Together they built a joyful life rooted in family, tradition, and laughter. They raised four daughters—Ellen, Mary, Janie, and Sara—and created a home that became the hub for Sunday night dinners, holiday gatherings, and countless shared memories. Neil was an engaging father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, always quick with a joke, armed with a story, and ready for a friendly competition.
In addition to his family, he was an avid St. Louis Cardinals, Rams, and Blues fan. He enjoyed root beer floats, playing golf, and his position as the founding member, and-One-Time-Champion, of the “Handelman Fantasy Football League”.
In his community, Neil was a committed volunteer and supporter of causes close to his heart, including an endowed Parkinson’s Research Fund at Barnes Jewish Hospital. He was the President and a longtime Board Member of Congregation Temple Israel and served as Board President of New Mt. Sinai Cemetery. Neil also spent his retirement years as a docent at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum.
Neil is survived by his wife Natalie; daughters Ellen Brin (Bob), Mary Rosenblum (Rob), Janie Spirtas (Eric), and Sara Bernstein (Jeff); sixteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his brother Gary Handelman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Frieda Handelman, his brother Howard Handelman and sister in laws Alice and Ronni.
Neil said marrying Natalie was the best decision of his life. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. His family finds comfort in knowing that his integrity, love, and family unity will continue as his legacy. May his kindness, guidance, and witty stories live in our hearts forever.
Visitation Tuesday, July 29th, 10:30 AM at the New Mt. Sinai Mausoleum, 8430 Gravois, followed by funeral service at 11:00 AM. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information,
Memorial contributions may be made to the Natalie and Neil Handelman Parkinson’s Research Fund at The Foundation for Barnes Jewish Hospital, 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive W, Suite 140, St. Louis, MO 63110-9333, Congregation Temple Israel, The Natalie and Neil Handelman Endowment Fund for Temple Life, P.O. Box 790379, St. Louis, MO 63179-0379 or a charity of your choice.
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