Hall of Fame
George Handley is one of two Distinguished Letterwinners in the class of 2020. Handley was a member of the men’s hockey and golf teams at Norwich. He took over as the men’s hockey team’s No. 1 goalie as a senior, helping lead the Cadets to a 13-8 record which at that time were the team’s most wins in a season since the 1951-52 season.
Handley won the starting goalie job his senior year over two recruited goalies after he made 49 saves in a 3-1 win over Colgate. He also helped lead the Cadets to the Lake Placid Christmas Tournament title with wins over Colby in double overtime and over Middlebury.
“I thank Coach Bob Priestley for trusting in me and my great teammates for all their encouragement and support that helped lead us to our great Cinderella season in 1964-65,” Handley said.
Upon graduation, Handley entered the United States Army at Fort Knox, Tenn. for the Armor Officer’s Basic Course. Handley served a year-and-half tour in Vietnam from Oct. 1967 until May 1969. During his tour, he was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with “V” device, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device and Purple Heart.
After serving in Vietnam, he returned to the United States and completed a Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California while assigned to the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. He was discharged in January 1977 following 11 years of service.
Handley joined Rockwell International Missile Systems Division in Duluth, Georgia working on Hellfire anti-tank missiles fired from helicopters. He ended up working in International Business Development and Program Management at Rockwell, playing a significant role in projects with the Swedish and Norwegian governments.
“I love the Norwich family,” Handley said. “I cannot tell you how many times in my travels people will see my Norwich tag and suddenly it’s like we are old friends. It’s been 56 years and I still maintain contact with roommates and team members to discuss the good and bad times that happened at school. I also like to help veterans within the VA system for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I am 100 percent and I have helped a couple of my Norwich classmates through the disability recognition system be awarded a 100 percent disability.
Handley resides about 20 miles north of Atlanta in Cumming, Ga. with his wife Barbara, who is one of only a few Certified Dressage Horse Riding Instructors in the area. They have one daughter, Mary Elizabeth Harter, who is a Nurse Practitioner and lives in Mississippi. Mary and her spouse have Handley’s only grandchild, Katherine. Handley also has a son, Mitchell who is a nurse and lives in Pensacola, Fla.
