Robert W. Allen

1946 - 2014

Robert "Bob" W. Allen, 67, of Bolton, CT and Oak Bluffs, MA died at Hartford Hospital on March 4, 2014 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on June 24, 1946 in Manchester to the late William S. and Alice (Sharp) Allen. Bob graduated from Manchester High School in 1964 and received a degree in history from Central Connecticut State University in 1969. He was a high school industrial arts teacher for 35 years in East Hartford, most recently at Synergy Alternative High School where he was a member of a dedicated staff who strove to help each student thrive. He also served as Chairman of the Public Building Committee in Bolton for several years. Bob was an avid outdoorsman - he enjoyed a walk in the woods, hunting, and a daily run. He was also a builder - renovated his Bolton home with the help of friends and built a post and beam barn after purchasing a book, 2" chisel, and a pile of native lumber. In 1986, Bob and his wife began spending summers on Martha's Vineyard where they purchased a historic cottage. Bob carefully restored and renovated this home as well. He enjoyed the beaches and natural beauty of the island and became very interested in its history. After he retired from teaching, he worked as a docent in the Cottage Museum of the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. Bob will be remembered as a loving husband, wonderful father, and loyal friend. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Hazel (Rosenbaum) Allen, of Bolton, his daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Allen, of Gainesville, FL, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Paula Rosenbaum and Jacques Lewalle of Syracuse, NY, his nephew, Philippe Lewalle, of Syracuse, NY, his mother-in-law, Elizabeth B. Rosenbaum of Cheshire, and several cousins. He also leaves behind two life-long friends: Richard Agostinelli of East Hampton, and William Dixon of Stafford Springs, and his godson, Daniel Agostinelli of Trumbull. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 1:00 pm at South United Methodist Church, 1226 Main Street, Manchester, CT. He will be buried on Martha's Vineyard. There are no calling hours. Holmes Funeral Home, Manchester has care of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either: CIBA c/o Abelon Memorial Walk, 857 Forbes Street, East Hartford, CT 06118 or the Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, c/o Historical Preservation and Archives Fund, PO Box 1176, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com