John J. Allen

1922 - 2013

Allen, John J.

John J. Allen age 91 of Cortlandt Manor, NY passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on October 20, 2013. He was born on October 12, 1922 in New York City to John and Ellen Flynn Allen. John proudly served in the US Air Force during WWII in the China-Burma Arena. On August 23, 1947 he married Dorothy Siller at St. Frances de Chantal Church in the Bronx.

John was employed by the Westchester County Department of Social Services for forty-three years, retiring as Commissioner of Social Services in 1990. He was a graduate of Fordham University, 1947, Columbia School of Social Work, 1957, and Pace University; where in 1982 he received a Masters of Public Administration with Distinction.

He was involved in many professional committees and volunteered in leadership positions in many of those groups including National Association of Social Workers, Mental Health Association of Westchester, and the American Arbitration Association.

He was proud to serve on the Boards of Andrus Children's Home, Abbott House, Visiting Nurses of Westchester and the New York Lighthouse for the Blind. He continued to be an active member of several of these groups long after retirement. John was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and a Life Member of Peekskill Lodge 744 BPOE.

John always had an interest of serving children foremost during his life. Throughout his career, he received many awards and certificates for his service. His most prized was a ceremonial pen from the New York State Executive chamber used to approve Senate Bill Number 8408-A by Senator Pisani entitled "An Act to amend the Social Service Law in relation to the adoption of children with handicaps" 6-15-1974 by Governor Malcolm Wilson.

John is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Dorothy (Siller) Allen of Cortlandt Manor. Father of Patricia (Stephen) Nickerson, Kathleen (Paul) Burleson, John K. (Gabrielle) Allen and Maureen Benson. Grandfather of Amy (David) Goldstein, Beth (Michael) Protomastro, David (Michelle) Allen, Lindsey (Adam) Hingorani, Lauren Burleson, Leslye Burleson, Kathryn Benson and Kimberly Benson. Great-Grandfather of Rocco Protomastro, twins, Emily and Aster Goldstein and twins, Hudson and Michael Protomastro. He will be missed and loved by All.

Visitation is today, Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8pm at the Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, Peekskill, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, 10:00am at Church of the Holy Spirit. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Church of the Holy Spirit and/or Hospice Care of Westchester-Putnam.

Joseph F. Nardone

Funeral Home

414 Washington Street

Peekskill, NY 10566

(914) 737-1363