Raymond "Ray" Thomas Handy, age 90, of Lutherville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026.

Born on April 4, 1935, in New York, Ray lived a life defined by decency, curiosity, and quiet service to others. Although most recently a resident of Brightview Assisted Living, he remained deeply attached to his longtime home on Springview Court in Timonium, which held many years of family memories.

Ray is survived by his daughter, Anne Marie Handy; his son, James Edward Handy ("Jim"), and Jim's wife Lisa Handy (née Gray); and his beloved grandchildren, Logan and Madigan Handy, of whom he was immensely proud. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ray was predeceased by his wife of many years, Annie "Nancy" Handy (née Taylor), as well as his sister Patricia Sila and his brother Vincent Handy.

As a young man, Ray studied with the Columban Fathers at their seminary in Silver Lake, New York, before returning home to complete his education. He graduated from St. Agnes High School in College Point, New York, in 1953. He served honorably in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956, stationed in Germany. In 1962, he married Nancy Taylor at the Immaculate Conception Church in Astoria, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted until her passing in 1998.

Ray's professional life reflected his strong sense of purpose and commitment to community. He began his career at Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company before joining the Small Business Administration. That role brought him from New York to the Baltimore area, where he spent the remainder of his career. He retired in 1993 as Assistant District Director. Ray took great pride in supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening the regional economy, working closely with community banks and elected officials to implement programs that encouraged business growth—particularly in underserved areas. After retirement, he continued this mission through his work with the Mid-Atlantic Business Finance Corporation.

Ray also gave generously of his time to his community, providing administrative support to the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company, where his son and daughter-in-law served as volunteers.

Outside of work, Ray's interests were wide-ranging and deeply felt. He loved traveling with Nancy, particularly to Scotland to visit her family, with whom he formed deep and lasting bonds. Those relationships endured well beyond his travels and continued throughout his life; Ray remained closely connected to Nancy's sisters until his death, valuing them as family in every sense and cherishing the affection, history, and shared traditions they represented. A devoted genealogist, he meticulously maintained family records for both his own family and Nancy's, preserving their histories for future generations.

Above all, Ray will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful, and honorable man. He saw the good in nearly everyone he met and genuinely enjoyed learning from the people around him. His natural curiosity extended into the kitchen, where he delighted in cooking, experimenting with new recipes, and hosting family dinners. In recent years, some of his happiest moments were spent at his son's home in Lutherville, cooking for the family and celebrating the academic achievements of his grandchildren, Logan and Madigan.

Ray's life was one of steady integrity, generosity, and love for family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Visitation will be held at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center, P.A.,  2325 York Road, Timonium, on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 4 PM to 7 PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 in the funeral home chapel beginning at 10 AM. Interment to follow at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made in Ray's name to Blood Cancer United (fka Leukemia and Lymphoma Society).

Please remember Raymond by signing his guestbook.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.peacefulalternatives.com