Leonard Handler, a longtime professor in the Department of Psychology, passed away February 6. He was 79.
Handler came to UT in 1964 as an assistant professor in psychology. He was eventually promoted to associate professor and then full professor. He supervised graduate students in UT’s clinical doctoral program. He also taught several classes for clinical students, including interviewing and observation, personality assessment, and psychotherapy. He taught undergraduate courses in abnormal psychology and personality theory. He also was a licensed clinical psychologist in the Knoxville community for many years. He retired in June 2006, but continued on a post-retirement service for four years.
Handler was a long time member of Heska Amuna Synagogue. He was an avid gardener and collector.
Handler is survived by his wife Barbara Hershey Handler; son and daughter-in-law, Charles Andrew and Meaghan McDermott Handler: daughter and son-in-law, Amy Elisabeth Handler and Phil Oppenheim; adopted son, Jussi Plekka Valle of Helsinki; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held this week. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Handler’s name be made to TPA Len Handler Psychology Contribution, c/o TPA, P.O. Box 281296, Memphis, Tennessee 38168; or to Vitas Healthcare Corp. Hospice, 201 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 400, Miami, Florida 33131, online, or the charity of choice.