updated/obituary NWA Capt. George Handel
death flwnwst
~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, NWA Capt. George Friedrich Handel
November 30, 1940 ~ January 12, 2026
Online obituary is now available for viewing at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/orleans-ma/george-handel-12700865
November 30, 1940 – January 12, 2026
Obituary of George F. Handel
IN THE CARE OF Nickerson Funeral Home
George F. Handel was born to Esther and Carl Handel November 30, 1940, in Boston, Massachusetts. He crossed over on January 12, 2026 at 85 years of age. He maintained a lifelong connection to New England, particularly Cape Cod, his ancestral home.
George proudly served his country as a U.S. Navy pilot (Lieutenant) during the Vietnam War, a role that reflected his courage, discipline, and commitment to service. Following his military service, he went on to a long and distinguished career as a pilot for Northwest Airlines, beginning in 1967 and retiring in 2000. He took immense pride in his years spent in the cockpit.
George lived a full, active, and adventurous life. He had a myriad of hobbies and interests and was rarely idle, always busy with projects, travel, or pursuits that captured his curiosity. Whether at his home in Nova Scotia with his longtime partner, Elaine, enjoying time in Florida on his yacht "Hallelujah" or returning to Cape Cod, George embraced each place as part of a life well lived.
George shared his deep love of the Atlantic Ocean, the creeks, and the kettle ponds of Cape Cod with his children and their cousins and friends. He took them water skiing, fishing, and showed them how to clam and dig for quahogs. These moments on the water and along the shore became lasting memories and a foundation of shared joy and connection.
An avid traveler, George journeyed around the world on many adventures and delighted in bringing home thoughtful and unique gifts for his family. He was always incredibly generou with his time and resources. He also adored his dogs, Sadie, Shadow, and Milo, who brought him great joy and companionship
He is lovingly remembered by his longtime partner, Elaine, and by Dorothy, the mother of his children. He is survived by his son Jeff (Ellen) and their children Owen, Sophia, and Sam; his daughter Jennifer, whose children are Caitriona, Teige, and Sean; and his son Jonathan (Amy) and their children Cole and Elizabeth and many nieces and nephews.
George will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his generosity, and his service to his country. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and all who were fortunate to know him.
George’s ashes will be interred at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts. The time and date will be announced when the final arrangements are in place.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that George be remembered by honoring a veteran.
PCN memorial site https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2026/01/nwa-capt-george-friedrich-handel.html