Jack M. Allen

Jack M. Allen, 85, a long time resident of East Syracuse, passed away and was reunited with his wife, Alice, Tuesday, July 28, 2015. Jack was born January 14, 1930, in Cortland, NY, a son of the late Josephine (Marquis) and Ralph M. Allen. He was a 1947 graduate of Newark Valley High School. After graduation, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served his country from 1948 to 1952. He was a veteran of the Korean War, a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, and a member of the Chosin Few. Jack served in sales, management, and supervising positions with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., Farmers & Traders Life Insurance Co., and New York Life. He was a former member of the East Syracuse-Minoa Board of Education and a former president of the ESM Sports Booster Club. Jack was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. He was active in Scouting and was a former Scoutmaster of Troop 29. In addition, he was a member of the Syracuse Track Club and the Downtown YMCA, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of many friends. He was an SU sports fan and an usher at the Carrier Dome. Jack also served proudly as a volunteer at Crouse Hospital, where he was recognized in 2012 with one of the Crouse Choice Awards. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed people and always had a ready smile and warm greeting for you. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community.Jack was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Alice, on November 24, 2014, and his sister Virginia Wagoner. He is survived by his children Gary (Mary Ann) Allen of Syracuse; Terry (Patti) Allen of Las Vegas, NV; Janet (David) OHare of Victor; and Nancy (Stephen) Hilton of Vernon, CT; his sisters June Spangenburg of Owego, and Elizabeth Roe and Joyce Ferland of Bradenton, FL; his brother-in-law Paul (Margery) Purple of Newark Valley; his grandchildren, Spencer Allen, Elizabeth Allen, Justin (Marloes) Allen, Casey Allen, Michael (Kara) OHare, Megan OHare, Sarah OHare, Emily Hilton, Olivia Hilton, and Hannah Hilton; his great-granddaughter, Liz Carly Allen; and several nieces, nephews and their families. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service Monday, August 3, at 2 p.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church, 232 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse, with his pastor, Rev. Quinn Caldwell, officiating. A graveside interment service with military honors will be held Tuesday, August 4, at noon at Hope Cemetery, Newark Valley. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting our website at www.macphersonfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Plymouth Congregational Church in loving memory of Jack M. Allen