Thomas E Allen , VRHS Class of 1952
Thomas E. Allen, 89, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2024 at Van Rensselaer Manor Nursing Home. He was the son of the late Frank and Gertrude Allen. Tom was raised in Rensselaer and graduated from Van Rensselaer High School where he met his wife, Diana Oxley. They were married in 1955 and lived in Rensselaer, then North Greenbush. Tom worked for a variety of organizations throughout his life, Western Electric, Killips Laundry, Industries for the Blind, and NYS Senate. He coached his sons' little league teams, and he enjoyed taking his family camping and boating, which he and Diana still enjoyed well into their later years. He was an active member of Broadway United Methodist Church in Rensselaer and First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush. Tom also was very active in the Masonic community, having achieved the title of District Deputy Grand Master. He was a founding member of the Rensselaer Volunteer Ambulance and volunteered for many years at Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. Tom is survived by his wife, Diana, and their children Cindy (Kevin) Conley, Timothy (Kirsten) Allen, David (Mary) Allen and Jeffrey (Becky) Allen. He leaves behind nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren as well as his sister Marjorie Plantz, his brother-in-law Ron Miller and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Russell and his sister Jane Roberts. The family would like to thank the staff of Van Rensselaer Manor Memory Care Units for their loving care of dad over the past five years. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his calling hours Monday, March 11, 2024 from 4 to 6 PM followed by a funeral ceremony at 6 PM at the Wm. J. Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Tpk, Rensselaer. Private burial will be in Bloomingrove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush, NY 12061.