Richard Handelsman, 63, died unexpectedly in his Woodstock home, February 8, 2002. Mr. Handelsman graduated with distinction from Cornell University, earning a degree in engineering physics. He received his Masters’ and Ph.D from the Courant Institute of Mathematics. He worked on the first communications satellite, Telstar, at Bell Labs and taught applied math at Brown University. Richard became a professor of advanced mathematics at University of Illinois. He co-authored the graduate level textbook, “Asymptotic Expansions of Integrals” and published more than fifty research papers on various subjects of applied mathematics and physics. He was an original member of the Chicago Board Options Exchange. As member of the Board of Directors, pit trader and clearing firm owner. Mr. Handelsman was an integral force shaping the ultimate structure of the Exchange. He was a renowned expert in options trading and theory, and regarded as the originator of the “Butterfly Spread.” Mr. Handelsman was a top-level bridge player and earned extra money during college competing with several future Bermuda Bowl winners. Very proud and nostalgic of his Brooklyn roots, still Richard took to life in the country. He designed and built a park from a cornfield. The park became a sculpture garden of Shona stone art from Zimbabwe. He is the beloved husband of Susan; loving father of Gary Handelsman and Robin (Eric) Gould; and dear brother of Arlene (Jay) Gold; and survived by his beloved dog, Dodger. Funeral service 11 a.m. Monday, February 11, 2002 at B’nai Torah, 2789 Oak St., Highland Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Richard Handelsman B’nai Torah Memorial Fund, Highland Park, IL 60035. Info 843-433-7100
