People die, move on or pass away everyday. Some do not leave anything behind and some leave their families money, real estate and various things. But, then there is that less than 1% that leave behind so much more. Jack Allen was one of those special human beings (that if you were lucky enough to have met) left you a little bit happier.
His mantra for the family was “I don’t care what you do. Just make sure you have a pension.” He talked about how important it was to take care of yourself so much that it was comical to his five children, “Don’t forget the pension!” But in reality, he was right. We should be able to stand up on our own two feet to the bitter end, just like he did. He didn’t leave his family holding the bag and that made things so much easier for all of us. He was the epitome of independence in all of its meanings.
No matter where he walked, stood or sat, he touched everyone around him. He literally reached out to every person whether it be the bank teller, girl at McDonalds or a neighbor walking by. It was a chat, joke, or true interest in what the other fellow was saying. He loved that sense of community and interest that holds a society together. He hated phones. He found them unbearable and unbearable not to make eye contact.
Whether you were sitting watching television quietly or having breakfast at a local diner, he was always there. He was always present.
Yes, he was generous beyond belief. Yes, he treated his step children and their children no different than his biological children. Yes, he helped his late brother’s wife for over thirty years. Yes, he picked up, delivered fresh turkeys for thanksgiving or chauffeured anyone in need. Yes, he helped anyone, and I mean anyone, without a care or excuse. Never did I (his step child for over fifty years) hear one complaint about having to drive someone or driving forty minutes to help the friend of a friend.
Independence, being caring and generous, being present, and putting himself out there were what we who knew him, inherited. As for myself, (a once very shy little girl with extremely low self-esteem) he gave me the gift of voice, and I see it in all of his children and grandchildren. We are comfortable with talking to the gas station attendant, clerk at a store, as well as, a lawyer or professor. We are comfortable making them comfortable through a gleeful greeting, quick quip or humorous banter. We are our father’s children, and what we inherited you cannot put a price on. We (the world) have lost a very unique individual.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:
VA-Hudson Valley
2094 Albany Post Rd
Montrose, NY 10540
Attn: Voluntary Service

914-737-4400 x3715

checks payable to VA-Hudson Valley
Memo: in memory of John Allen


John was staying at the VA Montrose. Donations will be used for general veterans needs for the men and women living at the VA.
https://www.hudsonvalley.va.gov/giving/index.asp