Groton - Eastern Connecticut lost its local breadman Jan. 2, 2026 with the passing of Bryan Handy. He was born Jan. 6, 1962 in Norwich, to Fred Handy and Elva Wilcox Handy.
Bryan spent 36 years of his life delivering bread with JJ Nissen, IBC, and Bimbo and making friends with everyone he met. Bryan was always the first one to crack a joke and remind you to take life with a little humor. He was proud to be a firefighter and EMT for many years with the Town of Preston. He belonged to Teamsters Local 493 and was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. Bryan was the first to offer the shirt off his back or the last 5 dollars in his wallet. He made sure to never lose his marbles.
Bryan was a devoted husband to his wife Mary Leger Handy of 42 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Elva Handy; mother and father-in-law, Janeth and Kenneth Leger Sr; brothers, Fred and Andrew Handy; brother-in-law, Robert Duclos Jr.; sister, Nadine Wichmann and sister-in-law, Lynn Leger. Bryan is survived by his wife Mary and sister Maureen Handy. His legacy of service lives on in his children: Janelle and husband Wayne Turley Jr., Jessica and husband Casey Davis Sr., Jo-Ellen Davis and fiancé Pete Cote and Jerrica Handy; along with his many grandchildren: Gunnar, Skye, Niyana, Casey Jr., Zariyah, Kyleigh, Timothy and Kinsley; along with his grandfur-children: Onyx, Arlo, Minerva and Ellie. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Timothy Handy, Richard Pomroy, Jackie Wichmann, Dan Leger, Stephanie Pochal, Matthew Leger, Brittany De la Cruz, Taylor Lewerk, Austin Lewerk, Bailey Lewerk. He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenneth Leger Jr., Glen Leger, Danielle Duclos, and Michelle Shirey. “
Bryan's family will greet relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the funeral home. Burial will be private.