Manfred Robert "Bob" M. Handel

Manfred Robert “Bob” Handel, 85, of East Durham NY, passed away on February 26, 2024, surrounded by his family. Bob was born to Marie and Adolf Handel on April 14, 1938, in Rehau, Germany. Bob came to America in 1958 and at only 19 he began working in Harlem as a Master Tool and Die Maker, working long hours with a dream of one day building a business of his own. Bob eventually found himself on a weekend trip to the Catskills where he met the woman who would promise to be his wife, Ginger, at Blackhead Mountain Lodge. In 1958 they were married and began a lifetime of building together. They had their first child, Roy, and decided to start a horse farm in Durham, Tanglewood Ranch. A few years later Dale Handel would round out their family of four. Over the years the family ran Tanglewood Ranch, delighting East Durham vacationers with trail rides filled with fantastic stories, taking young adults under their wings for the summer to learn about horsemanship, and always building and honing their individual interests. As Roy got older and expressed an interest in mechanics, they built Supersonic Speedway, a small amusement park off Route 145. Eventually the family would buy Mullan’s Mountain Spring Hotel which would become The Blackthorne Resort. Bob has been an active member of the East Durham community since arriving here over 50 years ago. He helped to build the Irish Cultural Center, volunteered at the East Durham Vacationland association, and poured his heart into numerous businesses alongside his family. He had a deep love for this community and spent his lifetime working to build something great within it. Bob had a can-do personality and always knew that if he put his mind to something it could be accomplished. He was a crafty and resourceful man who over a lifetime taught himself to farm, ride horses, construct buildings, craft-stained glass, hunt, and countless other skills and arts. While his ambitions were limitless, he was always humble and kind, never forgetting those who helped make it all possible. While Bob had an intense commitment to hard work, it was his family he was the proudest of. He was predeceased by his loving wife Ginger. Survivors include his sister Sieglinde, his two children, Roy and Dale, his “daughter outlaw” Patricia, his 7 grandchildren, Robert, Nicole, Austin, Morgan, Ethan, Connor, and Wyatt, and his great-granddaughter Aubree. In addition to his family, Bob has countless friends who will remember him sitting at the first chair of the Blackthorne Resort Dining room and driving around the campsites on his golf cart. While Bob’s time has come to an end, all in which he has created and all those whose lives he has touched will live on and ensure his memory will not be forgotten. A life celebration will be held at Richards Funeral Home of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc., 29 Bross Street, Cairo, New York, 12413, on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will take place at the funeral home on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:30 A.M. Luncheon will follow at The Blackthorne Resort, 348 Sunside Road, East Durham, New York, 12423, and anyone from the community who would like to come celebrate Bob’s life is welcome. The family asks that in lieu of flowers you make donations to either The East Durham Volunteer Fire Department, 2401 Route 145, East Durham, New York, 12423 or to The Oak Hill Volunteer Fire Department, RR 22, Oak Hill, New York 12460. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.richardsfuneralhomeinc.net.

Manfred Robert "Bob" M. Handel

April 14, 1938 - February 26, 2024