Jeffrey L.A. Handschumaker

Jeff Handschumaker, 39 passed away on Monday June 17, 2019 at his home in Bedford, surrounded by his family and a close friend. Jeff's wife Nicole (Griffin) Handschumaker and his two beautiful children, Brody and Addyson, his parents and sister, Linette, Bill and Kiersten Handschumaker and her fiancee Erin Romano are deeply grieved at their loss. Other members of the family include Jeff's in-laws, Cheryl Vallee, Bill Griffin and Brother-in-law Chris Griffin, and grandparents Marion Handschumaker and Florence and Jerry Vachon.

Throughout Jeff's life he was surrounded by an amazing group of friends, many of them since pre-school, including Brian Tetrault who was with Jeff at his passing. Jeff's immediate family includes many aunts, uncles and cousins who have always been part of his life.

Jeff always persevered in work and play despite the challenges he experienced due to muscular dystrophy and he never complained about his condition or used it as an excuse. However, he could not beat the recent cancer diagnosis that ended his life.

In spite of his physical challenges, Jeff worked every day at Hands On Earth Landscapes Construction and Design, LLC. He was proud of his business and his accomplishments. He was an artist who brought his design ideas to life through the use of natural hardscape elements that made his projects stand out but look like they were always there in nature. His artistry will live on.

Jeff also played hard. From an early age he loved anything with an engine, and he dirt biked, 4-wheeled, snowmobiled, and boated. He played golf, soccer and was an avid outdoorsman who loved to camp, fish and hunt.

His greatest joy was the time he spent with his family and friends relaxing at the lake or just sitting around a campfire of which there were many at his home.
Even though Jeff's muscular dystrophy would limit his physical abilities, he focused on things he could do rather than things he could not do. Instead he taught his children how to play soccer, hit a baseball, ride a dirtbike, snowmobile and he was happy to coach them.

Jeff's love for Nicole and his children was evident by the time they spent together, their laughter and activities and the way they lived and loved together. He was always there for anyone who needed him.

Words cannot express our sorrow at his passing, but the joy Jeff gave all of us in his life was exquisite and when the sorrow fades, it is the joy that we will remember. Pray for us and be with us in the coming weeks and months.

Jeffrey's visitation will be held on Sunday, June 23 from 2-6pm at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, June 24th at 11am, at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 190 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford. He will be laid to rest at Bedford Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Jeff's family asks that you make a donation in his memory to either the Animal Rescue League of NH, the American Cancer Society or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.