Gordon "Gordy" Doane Allen

Gordon "Gordy" Doane Allen, 70, died unexpectedly on September 9, 2023, in New York City. Born in Fort Benning, GA, he was the eldest son of the late Colonel Walter Gordon Allen and Martha Ryan Allen. Gordy grew up in Arlington, Virginia, and at many Army bases across the United States and Germany. He attended the University of Virginia and graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in nursing and English. Gordy worked as a registered nurse in Seattle, Washington, and Juneau, Alaska, before moving to New York City to work in sales and publishing at the Carol Publishing Group. He later obtained his master's degree in education and taught English and Advanced Placement English at William Cullen Bryant High School in Queens, NY.

Gordy's life was rich in experience and adventure. Whether running the High School Shakespeare Oratory program or hiking the National Parks, Gordy fearlessly pursued his dreams. He had a passion for life, and his adventures included running with the bulls in Spain, climbing a glacier in Alaska, and living on a kibbutz in Israel. Even in later years, Gordy continued to chase passions and became a NYC Lifeguard at age 70. Gordy was a captivating storyteller, an avid reader, and a friend to all he met. He cherished family events, and his Catholic faith held a special place in his heart.

Gordy is survived by his siblings, Mimi Zebrowski (Paul) of Erie, PA, Riley Allen (Lesley) of Montpelier, VT, Maggie Joshua (Robert) of Mount Pleasant, SC, and Katie Allen of Alexandria, VA. Also surviving are many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held in his honor on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 980 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10028. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association.