Allan J. DEHAR

DEHAR, Allan J. Allan J. Dehar, of Branford, passed away on October 26, 2010, surrounded by his loving family. Allan was born in Detroit, MI on June 26, 1936. He lived a portion of his life in North Haven, and spent the last 30 years as a resident of Branford. He was the owner of Allan Dehar Associates (ADA), a Connecticut-based architectural firm. Prior to ADA he worked with many esteemed colleagues from around the country. His passion for architecture led him early in his career to working for Eero Saarinen on The St. Louis Arch and other national architectural treasures. More recently, while at the helm of ADA he collaborated with Frank O. Gehry on the Yale Psychiatric Institute; he redesigned UCONN's Homer Babbidge Library, designed UCONN's Biology/Physics building, he redesigned the Yale Medical Library and worked on many other award-winning projects. He was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), the highest honor bestowed on any member of AIA. He was an active and respected member of the Connecticut Chapter of AIA where he held numerous positions and received distinguished honors. For many years he served as chair of State of Connecticut Architecture Licensing Board. In addition, he served as a regional director on the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Allan's passion for architecture grew from his deep love of people and his commitment of life. Although a stickler for the brick-and-mortar details, it was people that mattered most to Allan - people for whom the buildings were constructed. He always saw the potential of each and every person he encountered on a daily basis. His love for life and interest in others were a driving force in his extensive community service work. For instance, by developing and affecting standards for the Americans with Disabilities Act; serving on community boards such as the Gesell Institute; and working with the Special Olympics programs. His is survived by his wife Luanne Dehar, his daughter Cheryl Pulcher (Herman), daughter Suzanne Dehar-Carter (Bill), his daughter Christine Dehar (Fran Zaia), his daughter Jennifer Kenny (William), his son Todd Thiel (MaryBeth) and his son Craig Thiel (Carolyn). In addition, he is survived by his brother David Dehar (Diana) and his brother Donald. Also, he leaves behind his beloved 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Friends and family may call on Friday from 4 - 8 p.m. at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT 203-239-1179. A memorial service will immediately follow on Friday evening. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508 or on-line at www.ynhh.org/donate/.