"Baba, what for you want to go out and eat? Here you have the best food in the world with the best people." The best people and the best food-- that is how Domingo felt about his family and the amazing food his beloved wife Linda prepared for everyone.
Born in Chamelecon, Honduras, and raised in Bethlehem, Palestine Domingo Handal was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He met the instant love of his life, Linda, and they married at the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, or as he referred to it, Jesus's Town. While trading imports and exports, he, Linda, and their growing family lived and traveled in Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan. Each of their children was born in a different country. His business eventually led him to New York City, and finally to Jersey City, NJ where he established a deli and neighborhood ice cream parlor, the latter of which became a permanent fixture on Central Avenue for more than 40 years. Domingo's passion and commitment to community are perhaps best exemplified through his integral roles as a founding member and leader of two causes very near and dear to his heart-- Jersey City's Central Avenue Special Improvement District, and the Bethlehem Association. In Jersey City he was known as the "Godfather of Central Avenue" and "Baba" to many, earning his seat as a community legend. Together, Domingo and Linda devoted over 30 years on the board of the Bethlehem Association, a charitable organization that supports the communities of Bethlehem. He and Linda eventually bought their 'forever' home in Totowa and filled it with love, laughter, and delicious food, which attracted a revolving door of friends and family who were always drawn to the "yellow house on top of the hill", as often called "The Handal Hotel." Domingo lived a full and authentic life, and connected with people in ways they would always remember -- whether family, friends, customers, or neighbors. He was generous, mischievously quick-witted, funny, and always ready for a dance-off or a push-up contest. His integrity was unshakable, and while he had much to boast about, he never once indulged. He and Linda instilled these traits in their children and grandchildren -- there is not one of his descendants that can say they weren't shaped, in one way or another, by his and Linda's guidance and love. For those that were there to shape you, never truly leave you. Domingo will forever be remembered by his five devoted children, Vida and her husband Samir Handal, Vera and her husband Nassib Faris, Florence and her husband Pierre Fersa, David and his wife Michelle Handal, and Christine Handal; 13 loving grandchildren, Sanielle, Ramzi, John, Renee, Nicole, Kristina, Ramie, Alex, Andre, Gabriella, Anthony, Andrew, Michael; and his five great-granddaughters, Alia, Maggie, Loretta, Theodora, and Nora. He is now reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Linda, and his siblings Kamal and Shafique. Domingo is survived by his siblings, George, Elaine, and Olga. He always believed in leaving something better than you found it, and that is exactly what he did. The family will be accepting condolences on this website. Please share any thoughts or special memories of Domingo. Due to Covid, the family decided not to have visiting at the funeral home for the safety of family and friends. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Pompeii, 154 Caldwell Avenue, Paterson, NJ. Following mass, Domingo will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery and Mausoleum in Totowa. For the safety of all, the family asks that everyone who attends social distances. Please note that there will be limited seating capacity at Our Lady of Pompeii for the funeral mass. To honor Domingo and Linda's passion and hard work within the Bethlehem Association, in lieu of flowers please consider a gift to: Bethlehem Association Scholarship Fund PO Box 1111 Media, PA 19063 Please make check to Bethlehem Association Scholarship Fund. In memo line of check please write "In memory of Domingo Handal."
41 Comments
Carlos D Lobato
4/3/2021 11:49:12 am
The first boss I ever had. Second to my own father he taught me the value virtue and integrity of good honest work. He was tough but fair. And he never hesitated to call me "lazy" when I had it coming. I often share those memories with my own two boys. My condolences to the whole family. RIP Mr. H... and thank you. : )
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Habib and Lucy Faris
4/3/2021 01:34:14 pm
We have lots of beautiful memories with our dear Domingo Handal, habibna Abu David. May he find peace in paradise and May the Lord bless him and his extended family. With With our heartfelt sympathy and condolences and love. May he Rest In Peace 🙏.Habib and Lucy Faris
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Matthew Handal
4/3/2021 02:42:11 pm
I remember Domingo as the more laconic of the two brothers I knew, with a sly sense of humor. He was warm and gracious, but never afraid to say what he thought. I know he is in a good place now, fitting for someone that led a good, full life. My deepest condolences to the family. I know it's painful now but time will heal and impression, and spirit, will be with you forever and help you when you need.
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Chaplain Rita Bakr
4/3/2021 02:43:06 pm
Dear Vida, Vera Florence, David, Christine and entire the Handal family.
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Sandra
4/3/2021 04:19:50 pm
"Ahhh Baba" as only he could say my 1st job was at the ice cream shop with Baba and ended up staying many many years with him even raised my 2 boys downstairs...lol. I will never forget Baba came off as being a very serious man but also had a very gentle playful side for example i'm sure any of you guys that spent time in the store can remember the antique pogo stick he kept in the back probably belonging to 1 of the kids. Well 1 fine day me being me I wanted to try it as soon as he saw me he said " aaah Baba give it here you don't know how" he started hoping on it until the bottom slid out from under him and he landed under the sink. OMG how we laughed we could not even stand...lol needless to say I never let him forget what a great pogo stick jumper he was 🤣....Our beloved Baba you will be missed 💙
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Salim F Haddad
4/3/2021 10:07:37 pm
Regret the passing of Abu David, Domingo Handal. My condolences go first to Vera, the loyal daughter, wife of my brother in law Nassib Faris, ahd her siblings and their families. Myself and Abla Faris can never forget your dad and beloved mother Linda, and we cherish every moment we have been with your parents and the Handal family.
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Nidal Hazboun
4/4/2021 04:56:58 am
My condolences for the Handal family in this moment of their loss. Domingo was for me a dear uncle and an example of wise simplicity. People like him inspire the best in you and at the end you never loose them when they go but carry them in your heart forever.
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Walid Handal
4/4/2021 04:58:32 am
Cousin Domingo Rest in Peace.
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Camoy Waysome Hudson
4/4/2021 05:38:13 am
To the Handal family my sincere condolences to you on the passing of your patriarch. He was an awesome soul and has truly impacted the lives of others. May his soul rest in eternal peace and may God comfort the family during this difficult period. Love always- From Camoy, Kenny, Tiffany and the rest of your Jamaican family.
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Bassel H Sakkab
4/4/2021 08:19:32 am
I am so sorry for your loss, he was a hard worker and it showed, took care of the ice cream store but also the beautiful garden, he would pick some of the vegetables that were ready for picking for the family to enjoy. He shared how he managed the garden and what needed to be done and how often, I enjoyed listening to him because he was very knowledgeable about many things and made it fun. He cared about everyone in his own special way. Will miss you Ammo Domingo, Memory eternal.
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Esam and Michele Elali
4/4/2021 08:59:42 am
Holding the happiest memories! Alive in our hearts! Our condolences to the entire Handal family!
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Rachel
4/4/2021 09:48:02 am
My deepest condolences to the Handal family. I know that it will never be the same from this day forward. No more Baba who's always walking around the house, putting chairs and rugs in place, checking the fridge for some food to snack on, always looking for bread, making sure doors are locked, turning off lights that are not in use... Oh I miss Baba... If he could only read this message, I would like to tell him how much I cared for him like my own father, even most of the times we were like in a love and hate relationship 😅 and keep calling me Maria, Richard and many other names. He was such a charmer, a joker, a singer, a good father and the best adviser. Thanks Handal family for letting me share good memories with Baba... I miss you all! Sending my hugs and love from the Philippines...
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Najwa Qassis
4/4/2021 11:31:53 am
Rest In Peace Amo. You will be truly missed. You were a great man loved by so many. God has gained an angel.
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Suad Handal
4/4/2021 11:51:22 am
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes to Vida, Vera, Florence, David and their families for the passing of their dad Domingo. He was a very nice, kind, and peaceful man, so much to be loved by Christ Himself to join Him on Good Friday. Know that Domingo and all the family will be in our prayers.
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Nina Bazouzi Cullers
4/4/2021 02:13:19 pm
My sincere condolences to the Handal family for the loss of your patriarch. I knew Domingo to be an honorable, dignified, gracious man whose virtues are of the old school. He was a responsible father, faithful husband, honorable and dignified friend who cared for others and was generous and always willing to help. His sense of
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Jenny Handal de Mejia and family
4/4/2021 03:25:24 pm
Dear family, we send our condolences for the loss of tio Domingo, of whom, along with tia Linda, we bear sweet remembrances of their love, hard work, precious hospitality and fun memories of the times together that have remained deep in our hearts with love and gratitude through the years. May God's peace be with you. We send our love to all.
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Esperanza Handal
4/4/2021 05:59:56 pm
Que la paz y el Consuelo de Dios los acompañe y les dé fortaleza.
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4/4/2021 06:40:44 pm
God Bless all the family and know He is with you always.
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Dorothy
4/4/2021 08:33:22 pm
For the short i know mr. Domingo its like i know i have known him for 10 years. He was a man of principle.ann very respectful.he loves every one.He will be missed. His momoŕies lives on.
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Cristina, Ginho e Carly Hasbun
4/5/2021 04:52:33 am
We would like to express our sorrow and sympathy for all the family. Uncle Domingo was a great man, happy, funny, caring... someone we learned to love and appreci We would like to express our sorrow and deepest condolences. Uncle Domingo was a great man, happy, funny, caring... someone we learned to love and appreciate the company every time he came to visit us in Brasil or we went to visit him. May his soul rest now in peace, close to auntie Linda❤️
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Carly
4/5/2021 06:07:44 am
I remember uncle Domingo many times coming to Brasil. Sometimes quiet, sometimes laughing, sometimes dancing, sometimes still, carefully listening my father talking about business or happy going to the farm. Most of the time, kind and happy just for being with auntie Linda and the family around.
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Maria Elena Handal
4/5/2021 09:08:55 am
My dear family, between laughter and tears, many memories comes to my mind, cousin Domingo was like a father to me ❤ he always was with strict rules at work and also in the house. I lived with my family in Totowa NJ and used to go to work at Carvel with him, he taught me to work hard, to have confidence in myself , not to be afraid of clients specially when thy use to asked for Chocolate dipped soft ice cream cone 😊.. I learned so much from him. At that time working in Carvel also was Carlos there working and cousin Domingo always used to tell me.. don't pay attention to him ..he is a " Majnoon" .
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Merwan Moge & Family
4/5/2021 02:29:31 pm
I was deeply saddened when I heard the news about Uncle Domingo. My family and I send our condolences to Vida, Vera, Florence, David and Christine. I always looked forward to our many trips to Totowa from Pennsylvania, visiting with Uncle Domingo and Aunt Linda. We always had great memories and laughter regardless the occasion. He treated me like a second son which I will cherish for the rest of my life. Uncle Domingo was a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle and business owner. He will be truly missed but never forgotten. We were all very blessed and fortunate to have had him in our lives. May God bless the entire Handal family during this difficult time - REST IN PEACE UNCLE DOMINGO.
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Fr. Paul Iovino
4/5/2021 03:52:40 pm
I like to send my sincere condolences to the Handal Family who had been very close while I was in St. James. Domingo's goodness and generosity, together with Linda, I will not forget. I will offer my Holy Mass for the repose of my friend Domingo. May he rest in peace in the Lord. Fr. Paul
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The Handal Family
4/5/2021 05:00:23 pm
Thank you Father Paul for your kind words. Your post was a lovely surprise and bought back many great of our memories with you:)
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Joseph & Margie Micaletti
4/5/2021 03:55:58 pm
Our sincere condolences to the Handal Family in the loss of your beloved Father and Sedo. He was an extraordinary man and left a wonderful legacy. We often laugh when remembering an occasion when we visited , and one of our granddaughters, Alyssa, who was probably around 8 or nine years old at the time, was fascinated by the deer in the backyard of the Handal's Totowa home. She was talking non-stop, telling Domingo all the factoids that she knew about deer and after several minutes of patient listening, he turned to us and said , " Who knows how to change this radio station ?" We cracked up! He could deliver a line like that better than any stand up comedian.
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Roberto Taufic
4/5/2021 05:19:17 pm
Domingo was one of the brightest people I have met !!! it was nice to walk with him when I was a guest in his house ... thank you Domingo for your presence in our lives! Rests in peace.
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Juan Carlos Santos Handal
4/5/2021 08:35:28 pm
Dear Family,
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MarĂa Cristina de Handal
4/6/2021 06:25:56 am
Dear family, I am very sorry and sad for Tío Domingo’s Physical lost, we will miss him but I am sure he is very happy in Heaven with his Love Tía Linda . Tío Domingo Will be always living in our hearts . Please receive my condolences and Love . María Cristina de Handal ( Vichy)
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Family Zelaya Handal (Cristi, Marco, Ollie and Zach)
4/6/2021 07:48:04 am
When I was 17 and moved here, Tio Domingo and Tia Linda gave me a home away from home. I felt like one of their own grandchildren and retain the funnest, most loving memories with them and the rest of the family. When I brought in three boys into my life (husband and babies), they welcomed them with the same loving arms. We will miss your wit, stories and laughter tio Domingo, our "tio chamelecon", and know you are now in eternal love with God and our beautiful tia Linda. You both were the rock in the family and will forever be, as our angels. We love you always.
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Donna Baccollo
4/6/2021 08:01:53 am
Dear Family-
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Olga Handal
4/6/2021 08:03:48 am
Domingo, my beloved brother, I miss your beautiful smile. Ever since I was a little girl, your presence brought lots of excitement and joy every time you came over with your beautiful family and visit from Baghdad or Kuwait or the USA. Thank you for all of your love and for the joy you brought into our lives with your humorous spirit, and for the beautiful memories, specially the delicious Carvel ice cream treats. Habibi please pray for us, may you Rest In Peace.
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Edward & Joan Hazboun
4/7/2021 11:52:26 am
We extend our deep condolences to the Handal family at this time of their irreplaceable loss. Domingo was for us an icon of gentle wisdom and loving demeanor. People like him inspire the best in us and are carried in our heart forever. May he find peace in paradise and may the Lord bless him and his extended family.
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Renee Adili
4/7/2021 06:50:44 pm
Dave and family. I am very sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my prayers
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Eddie Handal Sr.
4/8/2021 06:23:42 pm
“The Camping Trip”
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Judith Handal
4/8/2021 07:25:07 pm
Domingo and my husband Gilbert shared many hunting adventures, and even attempted camping. One time, Linda and I were so scared because our husbands came home from hunting unexpectedly one day early. There were no cell phones at the time for them to call us to let us know they were coming home. Domingo arrived at his house first. The grocery store was on the street level and their apartment was upstairs. Linda was in the apartment sleeping when she heard the noise below. She was so scared thinking a burglar was trying to break into the grocery store. She heard someone shaking the door downstairs and then footsteps going up the stairs. She tried to call the police but the phone didn’t work, so she grabbed Tina, who was a little girl at the time, and went to hide. As Domingo approached her, Linda realized it was him. She was so shaken up that when Domingo gave her water to calm her down, she couldn’t even drink it. She told him to call me right away so that Gilbert didn’t startle me when he came home. So Domingo called me in the middle of the night and woke me up. I thought something had happened. I asked, “Where is Gilbert?” He answered with a very serious tone, “Don’t worry. He is ok, but “katalna wahad”, which means, “we killed one,” and then he hung up.
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Richard Handal
4/8/2021 07:28:31 pm
I’d like to add a little to my moms hunting story. I remember hunting my Uncle Domingo and my dad. We all had to required fluorescent orange hunting gear but uncle Domingo forgot his at home. He just had a regular parka. It didn’t phase him at all he just bought a can of fluorescent orange paint and painted his parka. Everywhere we went people would stare at him and wonder where he’s from. He didn’t care as long as he got to go hunting. I miss Uncle Domingo and my Dad. They were amazing, wise men with amazing wives at their sides who accomplished so much in their lives and for their families lives. Love, Richie, Rula & the Kids
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Edward S Hazboun
4/9/2021 05:02:49 am
We were saddened to hear that your father passed away. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
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4/9/2021 05:00:36 pm
Our sincere condolences to the Handal family for their great loss. We met Domingo and Linda in 1985 when we launched the Bethlehem Association. I remember the warm, friendly and wise couple from Toyota, NY. At our meetings of the Bethlehem Association, Domingo always exhibited wisdom and courage. Both Domingo and his late beloved wife, Linda were always ready to pitch in and help out. They raised wonderful children who are carrying their legacy. They will always be in our hearts and will be greatly missed. May their memory be eternal 🙏
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Dr. Ralph and Alice Baeza
4/16/2021 07:51:42 pm
Dear Family
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Victor Lama (in Dr. Jamal)
8/18/2021 06:15:43 pm
A3mo Domingo was a really good man. A dedicated family man, a patriot for Palestine, and a lover of life. I always liked visiting him and his family in Totowa. It's very sad for me to see the older generation slowly disappearing, and along with them all the wisdom and culture that they imparted on us. Rest in peace, A3mo. God bless you and your family.
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