Lieutenant Lawrence Edward “Larry” Handorf L-38
(1944-2025)
Larry was born on January 19, 1944 in Cincinnati, the 13 of 15 children born to Charles Joseph and Rose Mary (Cramer) Handorf. On September 15, 1952, his oldest brother, Charles, joined the Cincinnati Police Division as a Patrolman, was promoted to Detective in 1960, then to Sergeant in 1961. Larry attended Roger Bacon High School and graduated in June 1962.
Five months later, Larry enlisted into the United States Air Force on November 26, 1962. He went through basic training at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) in Texas. In January 1963, he attended Technical School at Greenville AFB in Mississippi. In May 1963 he was assigned to Elmendorf AFB in Alaska as a Personnel Specialist. Senior Airman Handorf was honorably discharged on August 16, 1966 with a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal, and was a four-time recipient of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
Upon returning home, he worked as an investigator for Pinkerton, Inc. until March 1967.
L arry joined the Cincinnati Police Division in its 48th Recruit Class on March 12, 1967. He was promoted to Patrolman on June 4, 1967, issued Badge 348, and assigned to District 1 (310 Lincoln Park Drive). By then, his brother, Sergeant Handorf, was working undercover in the District 3 Mini-Tactical Unit. By October 1968, Patrolman Handorf was partnered with Patrolmen William Loftin, also occasionally working undercover. After Patrolman Loftin transferred to the Regional Enforcement Narcotics Unit (RENU), on November 1, 1973 Patrolman Handorf transferred to District 4 (7017 Vine Street) where he again worked undercover. On October 13, 1974 he was also assigned to RENU. Seven weeks later, on December 8, 1974, Sergeant Handorf was murdered by a barricaded man in Saylor Park. Seven months after that, on August 26, 1975, Officer Loftin was murdered and Officer Handorf served as pallbearer at his funeral. He was promoted to Sergeant on November 3, 1981, issued Badge S-58, and was reassigned to District 1. Two years later, on January 23, 1983, he was rotated to District 5 (1012 Ludlow Avenue).
On November 13, 1985, while outbound on Colerain Avenue on his way home from work, two cars were racing inbound. One crossed over the centerline and slammed head-on into Sergeant Handorf’s car leaving him with severe injuries. While he recuperated, he was promoted to Lieutenant on February 16, 1986, issued Badge L-38, and assigned to Personnel Section, then Operation Bureau. Though he struggled with surgeries and physical therapy, by the fall of 1986 it was determined he would never fully recover sufficiently to handle the rigors of a police officer. Lieutenant Handorf was medically separated on September 6, 1986 with 23 years of service to his country and community and 39 letters of appreciation and/or commendation.
After retirement Lieutenant Handorf formed a consulting firm to guide businesses through the thickets of dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. He later founded a private investigations firm, Lawrence E. Handorf and Associates, which remained in business until his death.
Lieutenant Handorf died on September 8, 2025 at the age of 81.
He was predeceased by his son, Bradley Handorf, and siblings, Cincinnati Police Sergeant Charles F. Handorf, Shirley Ann Hartmann, Rona Handorf, Gerald Handorf, Phillip Handorf, Thomas Henry Handorf, Rose Marie VonHagel, Marilyn Methie, Jeffrey M. Handorf, and Pat Schwartz. Lieutenant Handorf is survived by his partner, Sandy Knab; children, Melissa (Jason) Barger, Erin Prus; bonus children, Jamie (Dave) Worrall, and Jimmy Knab; grandchildren, Ashley, Samantha, Nick, Tori, Allie, Landen, Bella, and Jackson; bonus grandchildren, David, Tyler, Drew, Jackson, Alaina, Alex, Kaleigh, and Myla; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Kennedy, Maliya, and Freya; and siblings, Carol Marie DiPilla and Nicholas Allen (Carol) Handorf.
Keeping his wishes, Lieutenant Handorf’s remains were donated to the University of Cincinnati’s Body Donation Program. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday September 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Church of White Oak at 3565 Hubble Road. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Northside Knights of Columbus Hall at 3144 Blue Rock Road.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.
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