Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Eric Allen Obituary
Here are some ways that a short man got by:
Eric Allen was diligent, determined and headstrong. He was so tough, so capable, that it would never occur to people to look down on him, a 5-foot-5 tower of gym-rat power.
He knew how to size up potential trouble quickly and dodge it adroitly. Once, while driving cross-country with his buddy Joe Ruggiero, the two walked into a bar on the Texas-Oklahoma border and, in the blinding daylight, saw half a dozen oversized cowboys playing dominoes.
"Drinks for everyone on us!" shouted Mr. Allen, buying a barfull of friends.
The short guy cast a long shadow: Mr. Allen, 44, was a ubiquitous, modest Mr. FixIt for friends and the elderly in his Bay Ridge, Brooklyn neighborhood.
His motto was "Do the right thing," which for him meant taking extra courses to be eligible for the hazardous duties of Rescue Squad 18 of Manhattan.
He was a sweetie with a crust, a shy man who loved acting.
As he drove on jaunts to the country with his wife, Angelica (whom he nicknamed Schnauzer) and their 3-year-old, Kathleen (whom he nicknamed Mouse) he would make up songs about how much he loved them, yelping happily.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Marian Allen
September 29, 2023
To my beloved Brother,
Rest in Peace and be with the Lord Rest peacefully till we meet again
THE WORLD TADE CENTER
ROXANNE CICCOZZI
September 28, 2023
SEPTEMBER 11 2001
ROXANNE CICCOZZI
September 28, 2023
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
THE WORLD TADE CENTER
ROXANNE CICCOZZI
September 28, 2023
ROXANNE CICCOZZI
September 28, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Bryson Phelps
September 11, 2023
He is a brave man
Aleksander Wierzbicki
September 11, 2023
"DEAREST FRIEND ERIC", YOU ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN ; WILL REMEMBER "YOU" AS LONG AS I LIVE . . . TILL WE MEET AGAIN!
Wendy Bordonaro-Sanzone-Korkus
September 13, 2021
Thinking of you Uncle Eric Your daughter and wife too miss you Will never forget you
Kenny Cole
September 12, 2021
Thoughts go out to you this weekend Eric! Remembering a great and generous guy!! Happy to have donated works of art to the University of Maine's permanent art collection in your memory some years back.
Marian L.A. Allen
September 12, 2021
Dear Eric,
It is 20 years since I heard your voice or seen your face. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you or mention you. You are my baby Brother. Twice a year I am reminded that you are not here and it hits me hard. On my Birthday January 14th and on September 11th. I get depressed and cry a lot. My Children and Grandchildren do there best to cheer me up. I know for sure you are in heaven. You are our "Guardian Angel". Our "Hero" . I remember the laughter and fun we had all four of us, run and playing when we were kids. You are my daughter Tinamarie God Father. She has your name for her middle name Tinamarie "Ericka". When she was born. I have so many wonderful memories of you. Your legacy will live on especially through your beautiful daughter my niece "Kathleen". Along with all the wonderful memories of you..
Love you and miss you .
Marian L.A. Allen
Melissa Lello
September 11, 2021
Prayers for your family on this 20 year anniversary of that terrible day. We have not forgotten!
"YOU ERIC" ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN ; WILL REMEMBER "YOU" AS LONG AS I LIVE! TILL WE MEET AGAIN!
Aleksander F. Wierzbicki
September 10, 2021
"BEST BUDDY"
Aleksander F. Wierzbicki
September 10, 2021
"HEROIC FIREFIGHTER"
Aleksander F. Wierzbicki
September 10, 2021
Aleksander F. Wierzbicki
September 10, 2021
It's been 20 years, and not a day goes by that I do not miss "YOU" and fondly remember "YOU" - "ERIC", . . Heroic Firefighter, Gentleman, Artist, and Best Buddy! I am forever grateful that Fate allowed us to cross paths. "YOU" have made a significantly indelible footprint on my life and character ; THANK "YOU"!
Rest in Peace . . . Greatest Buddy!
Evette Singer
September 10, 2021
I was Kathleen's Gymboree teacher when she was a toddler and I met Eric only once when he joined Angelica for a class. I grew up a block away from Angelica in Brighton Beach, and I also knew her Mom and sisters. Every year on the anniversary of 9/11, I listen for Eric's name and say a prayer for him and his family. On this 20th anniversary, I think of how grown up Kathleen is now, and I send my love and hugs to her and Angelica.
Angel (Morgan) Brown
September 2, 2021
20 years still Seems like yesterday.I remember meeting you and a family reunion up in the Catskills many years ago.
Cindy Roe
August 31, 2021
Remembering Eric on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
andrew
April 21, 2021
i had the pleasure of attending high school and college with eric... he was a very special person with a heart of gold and the strength of a titan. you gave your life to save others.....rest in peace my friend
Marian Allen
October 9, 2020
Eric was a caring brother, sweet in nature. He was my baby brother. Twice a year I am reminded that he is no longer with us. September 11, and January 7. Since his birthday is on the 7 of January and mine is January 14th. It is hard to think or imagine that he is no longer here. Till this day it brings tears to my eyes. My heart is broken. But I know deep inside he is in a beautiful place.
Marian Allen
Louise
September 11, 2020
Rip Eric, God Bless your family and friends
Aleksander F. Wierzbicki
September 11, 2020
September 11th, 2020 ; America, . . . in fact the entire globe is in crisis! Missing "YOU", so much - "ERIC" my "BUDDY"! Wishing "YOU" were here ; I am certain that "YOU'D" know how to make things better . . . as "YOU" ALWAYS DID! And with such humanity! My thoughts and prayers are are so with "YOU - ERIC" on this day, as they are always. Look down on us, and share "your smile" . . . cause, surely, we could use it. My most heartfelt wishes of strength and support to Your Family! "YOU-ERIC" are ever present in my thoughts ; I never forget, what a FANTASTIC PERSON YOU ARE!
Barry Brodsky
September 7, 2020
Eric was my landlord for two years. He was an extreme gentleman and a caring person. I lived in his property around the time his daughter was being born. I remember how hyped up he was and thought how I might be a good father one day myself. I became a father 10 years later. Thank you Eric, for being yourself.
Joe Ruggiero
January 7, 2020
Happy birthday my friend. We will go out this evening and raise a glass in honor of your 63rd birthday. We miss you everyday.
August 19, 2019
In memory of a brave first responder....
The Kindred Family
June 30, 2019
We send our continued deep sympathy to your family. Always may God give the help needed to cope. Eric is still missed and will always be remembered.
Tom Kowalski
June 24, 2019
I saw your name at the WTC Memorial. It was an honor to read about you ! Thank you for your service!
Rene Hanson
November 9, 2018
I would like to express to all of you for your wonderful tributes to my cousin Eric and your continued dedication in memory of him. Bless all of you, I know he is smiling up in Heaven knowing how wonderful each and everyone of you are as he was to whomever his path crossed with.
Joe Ruggiero
September 11, 2018
Never Forgotton.
Elaine Conway
September 6, 2018
I will be walking for Eric in the 9/11 Stair Climb in San Diego this weekend. I will sure he is remembered and talked about.
September 18, 2017
I'm in 6th grade and my last name is Allen. When I read about Eric I could tell he was loved, and had to write about him. sorry for your loss, but all your memories should be happy. Don't think about bad times think about the happy times and keep his memory alive.
House 2010 Gouache on paper 18" x 24" Donated to the University of Maine Museum of Art In memory of Eric Allen.
Kenny Cole
September 12, 2017
I think about Eric a lot...and was happy to be able to dedicate two works of art in memory of Eric, now in the possession of the University of Maine Museum of Art. Thank you Eric, for your friendship, service and generosity...your legacy.
FOR "BEST BUDDY ERIC"
Aleksander F. Wierzbicki
September 11, 2017
Fondly "REMEMBERING" ... "my BUDDY" ... "ERIC ALLEN" on this September 11, 2017 - the 16th Anniversary of "ERIC'S" passing ... YES, ... TRAGIC ... BUT ALSO, ... "HEROIC"!!! My thoughts are with His WIFE and DAUGHTER(S) and Family as I am praying for YOUR COURAGE, and PERSERVERANCE in CARRYING ON! "ERIC" was a tremendous, viable, most gentle-hearted GENTLEMAN! "HE" shall forever be LOVED, RESPECTED, ALWAYS REMEMBERED and NEVER, EVER FORGOTTEN! "Rest in PEACE ... BUDDY"
Respectfully and with "gratitude" yours,
Aleks
TD
May 1, 2017
As you continue to cherish your memories, allow God to be a source of comfort and protection.
Jon ratliff
April 30, 2017
I have had the privilege of participating in two 9/11 memorial stair climbs in Kansas City and one just this past week at the annual FDIC in Indianapolis. I was first assigned Eric as my firefighter to climb for in KC. I asked for him again at FDIC. If somehow his family reads this I want to say what an honor it is to climb in his memory. Ive read what info I can find online about him and it sounds like he was an extraordinary man. I keep a bracelet I bought at the climb on my gear bag for work. He will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
September 11, 2016
September 11, 2016
To the family and friends of Eric Allen:
Eric will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not allow those we lost on 9/11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
Peggy Childers
October 3, 2015
I am so sorry for your lost. It is very difficult to lose a one. but their is real hope for the future. Please read Roman 16:4.
September 13, 2015
You are always with my, Eric.
Meliisa Lello
September 12, 2015
We will never forget. Thank you again for running in to try to help, as everyone else was running out. You are a true American hero.
John Szczech
October 28, 2014
ALWAYS REMEMBER , NEVER FORGET !!!!!
September 11, 2014
Remembering you everyday, especially today Uncle Eric. I miss you very much.
Melissa Lello
September 11, 2014
Thinking of you today, and everyday for the selfless things you did that day 13 years ago.
Joe Ruggiero
January 8, 2014
Happy Birthday my buddy. You are in my thoughts every day.
Kenny Cole
September 12, 2012
Nice to see you checking in Joe!.Thinking of you & Eric...peace and love!
Joe Ruggiero
September 11, 2012
My Dear friend Eric, you were my best friend since we were kids and you are still with me everyday. I will never forget you.
Ty Wenzel
September 11, 2012
It's been a year, Eric... And I wear my band for you, and I think of your sweet daughter. You would have been a brilliant actor, but I know you're entertaining everyone up there with your sense of humor and funny accent. We miss you... xoxo Ty
Mack Bean
September 11, 2012
Eric is a gentleman I have never meet, however, I have had a bond with him since 9/11/2001. A couple of weeks after 9/11, at my daughter's high school football game a came across a group of people that were collecting donation for the brave men and women who gave their lives. The people at the 9/11 booth gave me Eric's wrist band. I have worn it every year since.
GOD Bless Eric and his family.
Barbara Boam
October 24, 2011
Barbara Boam & Kim Rogers walked a mile for you (mile #45) on 10/20/11 as a dedication to your life.
Joe Ruggiero
September 11, 2011
Hey Buddy,
Thinking of you this day, like every other day.
Anthony is a junior in high school, and he's been driving for over a year! Can you believe it? He was only a little squirt when he took those pictures of us on the observation deck of the World Trade Center that fine sunny day in '99.
Miss you, my friend.
Joe
Kymberli Colbourne
September 11, 2011
We hold you in our hearts.
Melissa Lello
September 9, 2011
Still remembering what you did to help others that day almost 10 years ago. We will never forget.
September 5, 2011
Never met you will always remember you
August 30, 2011
never forgotten sweetheart
Joe Ruggiero
September 12, 2010
Hey Buddie,
Took a long ride up Mt Lemmon yesterday. I had one of your FDNY shirts on. I know how much you liked that mountain. Miss you every freaking day.
Joe R.
Jeanne Ford
March 22, 2010
Remembering Eric from the old Brooklyn days. He always had a smile and was gracious and kind. I wish all of his family peace, love, Jeanne
Joe Ruggiero
January 7, 2010
Hey Eric,
Happy Birthday, man. Miss you everyday. Still telling stories. Anthony and I went for Snow this past Christmas Morning. Had a Great Time and toasted you and my Bro with our hot chocolate. Wish you were with us.
Joe R.
September 24, 2009
eric i dont knoe you but im a student and i am doin a project and i heppend to drawl your name cause you gave up ur life for us i thank you!! i dont know u but i love you so much thanks
Jay Bouwkamp
September 15, 2009
You were on my mind all day Friday Eric, the days preceding and still.
You are an inspiration to me.
Thank You.
Ken Ow-Wing
September 14, 2009
Hey Eric:
Remember when you and Joe went water skiing in Ca. Ha ha. A couple of NY city slickers water skiing. Talked to Marie Nelson first time in 10 years and she remembered you and Joe getting up on water skis.
Donna King (Ferdinand)
September 12, 2009
Hi Eric,
Finally made my way to Ground Zero for the first time last week while visiting my sister in NY. Looking forward to seeing what ends up there as a memorial to you guys...watched some great pbs/ history channel shows over the past few nights here near Boston and said a prayer for you and your family that I never met. If we ever get around to a Yellowstone reunion, hope you'll be there in spirit and we'll certainly have a few drinks in your honor!
Joe Ruggiero
September 12, 2009
Hey Eric,
Good to see so many friends are still visiting.
Went to a friend's cabin in the mountains these last few days so was not around to write yesterday. I can tell you, you were not forgotten in either story or drink. And it is not because of the nearness of this day or because of the collected memories of this tragedy. The stories are told because you remain a part of my life and of what I am. Let me also add that there were Ken Cole and Ken ObeWan stories told as well - some with all three.!
Prayers continue to go out to all your friends that you left behind and particularly for your wife Angelica and for your daughter Kathleen.
Love you man.
Joe R.
Ken Ow-Wing
September 11, 2009
HI Eric:
Its Sept. 11th again and my thoughts always go back to the opening hours. I figured you were safe until I realized that you would be headed to the center of the action, because that is the way you are and I knew you were gone.
Dawn Resto
September 11, 2009
Yes, as September 11 rolls around i think of you more. I was married at the time to Richie Resto of Squad 18. I remember you all so well..Kathleen a little one at that time. Kiki, so quiet, so nice. Eric, at the picnic I will never forget your sausage and peppers. Always tried to copy it but was never able to. That will stay in my memory forever!!! God Bless You and those who gave their lives to save others.
Mike Mulroy
September 11, 2009
Eric,
As Sept. 11th arrives again, you are as always in my thoughts. I have good thoughts for Kiki and Kathleen hoping the best for them.
Mike(MUL)Mulroy
Kenny Cole
September 10, 2009
As September 11 rolls around once again I think of Eric...a great guy who touched a lot of people. Though I never got to know his daughter and wife, my thoughts are with them, hoping that all of the positive energy that Eric distributed throughout his short life will surround them and carry them on through the years. Here's to you Eric!
Joe Ruggiero
January 7, 2009
Hey Eric,
Happy 52nd Birthday buddy. You are missed everyday. I was just telling Anthony that we met in 1963 when we were 6 years old, 46 years ago, Man, where did all those years go?
Love you and miss you.
Joe R
Doug Abraham
January 7, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
a p
September 12, 2008
dear eric I think you are a very brave fighter because you werewilling to fight and save us thank you I am proud of you
A R
September 11, 2008
Dear Eric Allen,
Thanks for everything! Thanks for putting your life ahead of everyone's else. You make me proud of my country! You are a true hero! Once again,Thanks!
Jay Bouwkamp
September 10, 2008
I met Eric In 1980 through his friend and mine, Joe Ruggiero.
Though I was only privileged to have gotten to know Eric over the course of two weeks. He made an impression on me in that short time, I’ve thought of him often over the years since.
Last June while conversing with a mutual friend, I asked about Eric. It was then that I was informed that Eric had died on September 11.
I’ll always remember that day. It is etched in my mind. I remember the crisp air, the deep blue sky. My wife and I were on a bike trail with our four year old daughter and a friend of hers. On our way back we heard the news.
I know exactly where I was that day and now I know where Eric was. He is a hero as are all those who put the safety of others ahead of their own on September 11 2001.
As long as I live I will remember that day. As long as I live I will not pass a September 11 with out thinking of Eric.
Kemeshaya
March 5, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Joe Ruggiero
January 7, 2008
Happy Birthday Eric!
Damn I miss you so much still.
Ant and I went up the mountain 'looking for snow' Christmas morning just like you and I used to do. It was so quiet and still up there. We made a toast to you with our hot chocolates as the sun came up.
We played in the snow for a while with Niko, who had a blast too. I really wish you were with us. I am trying hard to keep your memory alive in Anthony. He, the world, needs to remember what a great, funny guy you were and always will be in my heart.
Joe
Doug Abraham
January 7, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Dorothea Peak
September 28, 2007
You do not know me and will never meet me but i need to let you and other families know that people all over this country remember your loved ones and many others ever day in our prayers and thoughts. we will never know the pain that your family has had to live with everyday but know that there is may like myself who will always remember your loss and fight for this country to never forget what happened that day. god bless you and send you peace.
Kimberly Holtman
September 20, 2007
On the anniversary of Eric's funeral I pray for God's peace for your family and that you can feel that peace wash over you, restoring you and taking care of you.
God Bless each of you,
Ty Wenzel
September 11, 2007
Hey Eric -- Been thinking about you all day. Bought a bracelet with your name on it so I can smile all day long every day. That's what you did to me, and friends at Marions. You made us smile so much - damn, you are one funny guy. From our family to yours, prayers and peace to the most hilarious actor and brave firefighter I ever met. Bless you Eric, bless your family.
Ty Wenzel (East Hampton, NY)
Ty Wenzel
September 11, 2007
Hey Eric -- Been thinking about you all day. Bought a bracelet with your name on it so I can smile all day long every day. That's what you did to me, and friends at Marions. You made us smile so much - damn, you are one funny guy. From our family to yours, prayers and peace to the most hilarious actor and brave firefighter I ever met. Bless you Eric, bless your family.
Joe Ruggiero
September 11, 2007
Hello Eric,
Thinking of you today and everyday. Hard to believe it's been 6 years. Though this time has past you are never far from me and go with me wherever I go.
I suppose Kathleen is 9 years old now. As she gets older she may want to know some things about you. I hope she might call someday. I'd be honored to tell her about her father.
Till next time.
Joe
Michael Bracciante
April 4, 2007
50 years old...Happy Birthday to us.
My son played in the band at his HS musical two weeks ago...watching him perform brought back thoughts of our HS musicals, you in the pit playing the French Horn and me as stage manager. Thanks for the good times.
Doug Abraham
January 26, 2007
belated Happy Birthday, welcome to the over 50 club!!!
Joe Ruggiero
January 7, 2007
Hey Buddy
Happy Birthday - 50! Two more months it will be my turn.
Just got back from a trip to New York. Finally did Times square at New Years. Ant and Susan loved it. It was great!
Received a card from Kiki this Christmas with a photo of Kathleen. She looks just like you did when you were 8, cuter of course!
No snow this year, here or in NY. We did not make our regular trip up
into the mountains this Christmas like we used to do together. But I
did think of you and had a drink in your honor. You are never out of my
thoughts. Told a dozen stories about you on this most recent trip. That
keeps you alive as good as anything I can think of.
I have thought about why I write here. Early on it was for me, to help me get over losing my best friend. Now I think I do it mostly for your daughter. When she is old enough, maybe she will see this and know how much her father was loved, especially by me.
Happy Birthday Buddy!
Joe
aj
October 31, 2006
drinks are on me this time
Pat Reed Sircy
October 27, 2006
Very sorry about your loss! Sincere sympathy, Pat - R.N. in TN
Kristine
October 12, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vane. We will always remember.
Ty Wenzel
October 4, 2006
Thought of you and prayed for your family Eric, all day 9/11... You are so missed...
Ty
September 15, 2006
May your family remember the wonderful times you shared during your brief stay on Earth.
Cathy Williams
September 13, 2006
From a police officer to a hero firefighter, I just want to say you did the ultimate job not only on 911, but each and every day that you did your job. God bless you Eric, and may you forever rest in peace.
Retired Police Officer Williams
Joe Ruggiero
September 12, 2006
Hi
Eric,
I haven't been one to go to any of the 9/11 memorials celebrations that
happen this time each year. I celebrate my long friendship with you every day by trying to do some of the good I know you would be doing if you were still here. I'm not into all the movies or dramas coming out. Don't you think there was enough real drama? Why bother to recreate it.
I have found though that I have grown increasingly interested in
knowing what happened to you that day, what did you do, who might you
have saved, how high had you climbed, who was with you...
Maybe one day I'll be able to find out some of those things, talk to
some of the guys who were there. But for now I will think about all the
crazy times, the warm times the trips we took, the pranks you pulled, your way of looking at the world. and everyday I will continue to chuckle over something you did or said. That's my memorial to you.
Joe
Michael Bracciante
September 12, 2006
Eric,
As others who knew you have stated, you touched a great number of people. I saw that in you long before you were a FF. I still tell my family how you bugged me and dragged me out to re-regiser for college. Thanks for being you. Michael
George Goldner
September 11, 2006
Always remembered, never forgotten.
Taylor Ortbals
September 11, 2006
hey eric, i dont know you but you are a true hero. i looked at your story about you being a firefighter in 9-11 and everything. I remember I was in school on that day and i just heard about from my teacher that the twin towers were burnt down. But i didn't really know the magnitude because i was in the 4th grade. Well thank you for saving all those people and may God Bless You.
Sincerely,Taylor Ortbals
Shelley A.
September 10, 2006
Hello Eric,
I will be remembering you and all the heroes of 9-11-01 tomorrow when I take my first grade students on a Freedom walk around our school. You will always be remembered!
Shelley
P Tabbernor
August 18, 2006
In memory....
Joe Ruggiero
January 26, 2006
Hello Eric,
Had a very cool dream about you last week. I can't remember the details now, but I work up feeling all right, like you were with me. Man, I miss the stuff we used to do together. It's not always easy buddy, so I thank you for your visits. I'll check in with you from time to time. You do the same.
Joe
Jim Johnson
September 11, 2005
God Bless You...
Mommy and Kyle - future fighter in my arms
Ty Wenzel
June 11, 2005
Hey Eric -- Just wanted to visit you again. Another year has passed and I still think about you and that goofy smile of yours. I hope you're putting on a play up there somewhere. Wish I could see it. I'll tell my son, Kyle, about you some day... he's only three but tough as a nut. Loves playing firefighter and I always think of you. God Bless. Missing you...
ty
Jean Jones
September 17, 2004
My heart goes out to your family. I didn't know you but I have friends & relatives in the police force that I worry about. This is to show that Canadians love & respect all that you did to save others. God Bless.
Showing 1 - 100 of 236 results
Make a Donation
in Eric Allen's name
How to support Eric's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Eric Allen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored