A well-respected leader in the local family law field, Baltimore native Michael Gerson Hendler passed away on Saturday, Jan. 11. The Towson resident was 82.
“While it’s sad that he passed away, we’re grateful for the life he enjoyed and we recognize that he lived a life of immense value,” eulogized his daughter, Andrea Hendler. She called her father’s life “a life well lived … a life of service and dedication to his family and community.”
On the memorial page of Sol Levinson & Bros., local attorney Renee Bronfein Ades wrote, “Michael was one of the kindest individuals I have ever known and a wonderful mentor to me as I honed my skills at family law. I credit Michael for much of what I have been able to accomplish over the last 25 years.”
A 1959 graduate of Baltimore City College, Hendler worked as a teenager in his family’s poultry business at Lafayette Market in West Baltimore. According to a 2012 article in Maryland Super Lawyers Magazine, he gutted chickens in the back of the shop and served customers at the counter. He also swept the floor and drove a delivery truck.
“I have always attributed that exposure to helping me become who I am,” he said. “I know what hard work is.”
Hendler earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a law degree from the University of Maryland.
For 58 years, Hendler practiced law at Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler, where he was a managing partner for more than 13 years.
He was a past president of the Maryland chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and served as past chair of the Family and Juvenile Law Section Council of the Maryland State Bar Association. From 2001 to 2016, Hendler was selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America.
In addition, Hendler followed in his father’s footsteps and became an active member and president of the Box 414 Association, a volunteer organization that assists first-responders at emergencies in and around Baltimore.
In his spare time, Hendler was an avid skier and a 25-year member of the Wisp Ski Patrol in McHenry, Maryland, serving as its patrol leader. He was also a golf enthusiast and a passionate Baltimore sports fan.
“He was passionate about the world and those less fortunate than he. We often had conversations about that,” said Rabbi Floyd L. Herman, rabbi emeritus of Har Sinai Congregation, who became friendly with Hendler at Edenwald senior living community. “Mike was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and he was always there for his children. He set an example of strength and leadership, and he was a nurturing father. He was passionate about his family.”
Michael Hendler is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Royce Lee Hendler (nee Sindler); his daughters, Andrea Hendler and Eileen Hendler (Michael) Fox; his grandchildren, Zachary Michael Fox and Coby Johnathan Fox; his brothers-in-law, Dr. Selvin (Holly) Passen and Dr. Arnold (Barbara) Sindler; and his sister-in-law, Rita Cohen.
He was predeceased by his sister, Sylvia Hendler Passen; and his parents, Florence and Nathan Hendler.
Funeral services were held at Sol Levinson’s Chapel in Pikesville on Monday afternoon, Jan. 13. Interment was at Har Sinai Cemetery in Owings Mills.
Contributions in Michael Hendler’s memory can be sent to Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, 515 S. Haven Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21224; the New Israel Fund, P.O. Box 70358, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19176; or the Susan G. Komen, 13770 Noel Road, Dallas, Texas 75380.
The family will be in mourning at 3523 Barton Oaks Road in Northwest Baltimore. The family will receive guests on Monday until 8 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday at 1-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. On Friday, the family will receive guests at Edenwald, 800 Southerly Road in Towson from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We will always remember Mike’s smiles, his hugs, his kindness and the strength he shared with so many,” said Rabbi Herman. “We’ll miss his presence, love, leadership and passion in our community. But we’ll remember all that he brought to our lives. May we be inspired to bring life and light into the world we still live in as we remember him.”
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