ALLEN MATTHEWS

MATTHEWS--Allen J.,

entered the world Albert Nick Salomone on June 15,1943 in Brooklyn, NY. A life that went from Terror and Shame to a life of Purpose and Public Service. Hopefully, his story will give hope to all those abused and abandoned children currently living this seemingly hopeless existence. Allen was lucky to go from a Community College to an Ed.D program at Columbia University. He was fortunate to achieve extensive education which allowed him the opportunity to become the Director of an outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Facility, Director of HIV/AIDS at the New York City Department of Health and the National Director of the Actors Guild Variety Artist. Throughout his life he also worked with various special education and homeless programs. He worked extensively with troubled youth in the Rockland County schools; as a teacher, counselor and eventually as principal. Allen was proudest of his work with troubled youth and abused gay and lesbian teenagers. Friends and family describe Allen as a person "passionate about life" and "devoted to helping abused children". "He was funny, kind and a gentle soul. He touched all who he met and made the world a better place". Allen J. Matthews, a resident of the East Village, passed away on Saturday August 5th, 2018 at NYU Langone Medical Center. The cause of death was COPD acquired from serving at the World Trade Center site during 9/11. He is survived by many friends and family who loved him.