Edwin VanHandel, 62, of Millstone Township, passed away, Monday, January 16, 2017 at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune. Born in Millstone, he was a lifetime area resident. Ed had a distinguished career with the NJ State Police, entering the academy in 1978 and retiring in 2007 as Detective Sgt. First Class. During his time as a Detective, he became active in the State Troopers' Non-Commissioned Officers Association, assuming the position of Business Manager. From this position, he was able to provide support and assistance to Troopers and their families in times of need. He took tremendous pride and satisfaction in this work, and accomplished a great deal toward promoting the goals of this organization. In the process, he garnered the respect and admiration of State Police organizations locally and nationwide. He had a passion for agriculture and maintained the family farm and produce stand for many years. Most of the produce raised on that farm over the past several years was donated to local food banks. He was a diehard citizen of the "Red Sox Nation." Above all, Ed loved his daughters and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family.

Son of the late Edwin and Christine VanHandel, Ed is survived by his two daughters, Olivia VanHandel and her fiancé, Casey Caldwell and Rose VanHandel; his former wife, Linda VanHandel, with whom he maintained a strong family bond; his sister, Kathleen Yurkovic; his nephew and niece, Gregory Yurkovic and Pamela Vioreanu and her husband Dave, as well as many close friends.


Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am on Friday, January 20th at the St. John's Church, 1281 Yardville-Allentown Rd. Allentown. Interment will follow in the Allentown Methodist Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 4-8pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St., Allentown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The NCO Association Foundation, 213 Crosswicks Rd., Bordentown, NJ, 08505.