HANDELMAN

HILDA RUTH

Age 98, of Castle Shannon Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15234, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025. Hilda was born on August 7, 1926, to Charles and Angela Garritano in Pittsburgh, PA.

Hilda was preceded in death by husband, Edward Handelman; daughter, Nadine Handelman; brother, Robert Garritano; sisters, Judy Butcher and Candice Hamilton; and granddaughter, Tovah Bernfeld. She is survived by daughters, Pamela Handelman and Beverly Handelman Watt; son, Craig Handelman; daughter-in-law, Lori Handelman; grandchildren, Tamar Bernfeld, Keli Baxter, Rebekah Watt, Jessica Burks, Jonathan Bernfeld, Josiah Handelman, Zachary Handelman and 14 great-grandchildren.

Hilda was born Hilda Patricia Garritano on August 7, 1926, in Pittsburgh PA. After living and working through the Great Depression and World War II, Hilda married Edward Handelman in June of 1949. She loved to tell the story of meeting him when she was working downtown at Kaufmann's selling ties. Over the years, their family grew. Many celebrations were held in their home. The family enjoyed Hilda and Eddie's banter and jokes. Eddie cooked; Hilda talked. The mix of Jewish and Italian culture and food made gatherings eclectic and joyful.

While those of us who knew her would say that Hilda Handelman was a born performer, we'd also unanimously agree that Hilda was never one to follow a script. Hilda adored music and dancing and had an unmatched energy. She loved to shop for clothes and just as quickly would open her closet to give them away. Hilda was generous not only with her belongings but with the time and energy she spent to help others. She loved blessing people, wherever she lived, whenever there was need. Hilda embraced and gave to the poor, foreigners, neighbors, family and friends. She was especially proud of the more recent work she did, helping people new to the country find housing and other resources.

Hilda was persistent in two things: love for family and being a follower of Jesus. She loved her family fiercely and was always there to support them when times were rough and rejoice with them when times were good. Hilda's strength was rooted in her deep faith in Jesus Christ. Hers was not a Sunday morning or major holiday faith; Hilda walked with Jesus 24/7. She read the Bible, quoted scripture, and prayed every day. Hilda's relationship with Jesus was deep, personal and a source of great strength that helped her and her loved ones get through difficult life events. Hilda's Christian life was not about surface religion but always being true to what she believed in, whether in church or at the kitchen table.

Hilda Handelman left an impression on everyone she met. She spoke her mind, hand on hip, following her heart and her spirit. If heaven had a window, we would see her glowing, reunited with all of the loved ones who had passed on before her, dancing and bringing joy to her new heavenly home. She would look down on her precious family still on Earth and remind those of us still here to keep the faith.

The family will be holding a private gathering. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements entrusted to the LEO J. HENNEY FUNERAL HOME, Carnegie. www.leohenneyfuneralhome.com