Roderick A. (Father Thomas) O'Handley, 81, of Bayonne, NJ and St. Vladimir's Monestary, Hunlock Creek passed away peacefully Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley.

Born October 6, 1939 in New York City, he was the son of the late Allan Roderick O'Handley a native of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia and the late Diane (Sikora) O'Handley, a native of Johnstown, PA. He began his education at St. Aloysius school in New York City. From an early age, he was raised with the Stasik family of Johnstown, PA where he attended St. Casimir's parish and school and graduated from Johnstown Central High School. He completed his education at Jersey City College earning a Bachelor's degree.

Fr. Thomas proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy and, early in life, taught English in Bayonne, NJ. For nearly forty years, He worked at Port Newark where he retired as a gate manager.

A very spiritual, caring and compassionate person, he was ordained to the priesthood in the early 1980's serving with the Orthodox Church in America. He was a Shakespearian Scholar and enjoyed literature and poetry. His favorite poet was Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Surviving is his sister, Diane Leppert of Johnstown, PA, and although they were separated by a long distance, had a very caring and loving relationship throughout the years. Also surviving are the Stasik cousins, who were like siblings to him.

He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Dr. John A. Leppert.

Viewing will be Friday, March 19th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at St. Vladimir's Chapel, 80 Garden Drive, Hunlock Creek.

A Requiem Service will be held Friday, March 19th at 10 a.m. with Bishop Thaddeus (Wallace Condrick), Bishop Sturgis and Bishop Alexios, officiating.

Interment will be Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township.