1921
John
2006
John H. Allen
April 23, 1921 — October 31, 2006
John H. "Jack" Allen, 85, of Upton, died early Tuesday, October 31, in Milford Regional Medical Center in Milford after a brief illness. A retired cabinet maker, he was the husband of Barbara L. (Francis) Allen, to whom he was married for 62 years.
Mr. Allen was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, a son of the late Walter H. and Jean B. (Burroughs) Allen. He came to the U.S. at age two and had lived in Upton for the past 80 years. A 1938 graduate of Upton High School, he was a flight engineer in the Navy stationed in Panama during World War II and later served in the Navy Reserves for 25 years.
He worked in the West Upton hat industry, and then for General Motors in Framingham and Draper Corporation in Hopedale, before operating a cabinet making business, Camperdown Kitchens, from his West River Street home for many years, retiring about 23 years ago.
A talented vocalist and musician, he was a member of the Franklin Chordsmen barbershop quartet for over 20 years. He also sang in the choir at the former Upton Unitarian Church, where he was a member for many years, and most recently could be found playing the piano at the Upton Senior Center and the Grafton Inn. He was also an airplane pilot who once built his own ultra-light plane; a member and past president of the Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club, where he pursued his passion for archery; and a past member of the George L. Wood VFW Post. In addition to his lifelong interest in music, aviation, and archery, he enjoyed deer hunting, and was an accomplished hypnotist.
In addition to his wife, he leaves one daughter, Paula J. and her husband Jim David Turner of Upton; three grandchildren, Galen Murray of NC, Melissa Mazzella of NY, and Lucas Ponce of Upton; and 6 great-grandchildren. He was also the brother of Victor D. Allen of Illinois, who died on September 14.
at 11 a.m. in the Williams-Pedersen Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, Upton.
Burial with military honors will follow in Lakeview Cemetery.
Calling hours at the funeral home are Saturday from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Mr. Allen was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, a son of the late Walter H. and Jean B. (Burroughs) Allen. He came to the U.S. at age two and had lived in Upton for the past 80 years. A 1938 graduate of Upton High School, he was a flight engineer in the Navy stationed in Panama during World War II and later served in the Navy Reserves for 25 years.
He worked in the West Upton hat industry, and then for General Motors in Framingham and Draper Corporation in Hopedale, before operating a cabinet making business, Camperdown Kitchens, from his West River Street home for many years, retiring about 23 years ago.
A talented vocalist and musician, he was a member of the Franklin Chordsmen barbershop quartet for over 20 years. He also sang in the choir at the former Upton Unitarian Church, where he was a member for many years, and most recently could be found playing the piano at the Upton Senior Center and the Grafton Inn. He was also an airplane pilot who once built his own ultra-light plane; a member and past president of the Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club, where he pursued his passion for archery; and a past member of the George L. Wood VFW Post. In addition to his lifelong interest in music, aviation, and archery, he enjoyed deer hunting, and was an accomplished hypnotist.
In addition to his wife, he leaves one daughter, Paula J. and her husband Jim David Turner of Upton; three grandchildren, Galen Murray of NC, Melissa Mazzella of NY, and Lucas Ponce of Upton; and 6 great-grandchildren. He was also the brother of Victor D. Allen of Illinois, who died on September 14.
Service Details
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 4, 2006at 11 a.m. in the Williams-Pedersen Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, Upton.
Burial with military honors will follow in Lakeview Cemetery.
Calling hours at the funeral home are Saturday from 9:30 to 11 a.m.