Frank Allen , VRHS Class of 1952
Allen, Frank H. SAND LAKE Frank H. Allen, 76, of Locksmith Way, died on Monday, February 8, 2010 at his residence after a long illness. Born in Bellows Falls, Vt., Frank was the son of the late Frank O. and Bessie Hodgman Allen, and husband of Nancy Baldwin Allen. Frank resided in Rensselaer from 1947-1960, then moved to Sand Lake, which became his beloved home for the rest of his life. Frank worked as a bookkeeper for the Greyhound Bus Corporation early in his career, but spent most of his years working for the NYS Department of Criminal Justices Services, from where he retired in 1992. But he also was an entrepreneur, he owned and operated Frank's Key and LockShop for over 30 years and, for a time, drove a school bus for the Averill Park School District. He served on the Sand Lake Zoning Board of Appeals from 1971-2009, functioning as their chairman and secretary. He was a life member of the West Sand Lake Fire Company, a member of the Sand Lake Ambulance, and a member of the Rensselaer County Auxiliary Police force, devoting over 30 years as a volunteer to each organization. Frank was a member of the Nassau Sportsmen Club, enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, but his favorite pastime of all was visiting the local coffee shops to stay current with important happenings in town. Due to his dedication in serving his community, he has been given many awards. While too numerous to list, they include Sand Lake Citizen of the Month, Devoted Volunteer Award from the West Sand Lake Fire Company, Rensselaer County Executive Commendation, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association Northeastern Personal Achievement Award. Survivors in addition to his wife include his daughters, Mary Beth Allen of Albany, Colleen A. (Ray Hoyka) Severson of Colonie, Frances H. (John Peterson) Allen of Troy, Laura M. (Andrew) Avery of Sand Lake and Tabitha Marie Allen of Sand Lake; a stepsister, Judy LeBrecht of Clifton Park; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Funeral service Saturday, 11 a.m. at the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel, 2691 NY 43 at Glass Lake, Averill Park. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the funeral chapel on Friday 3-7 p.m. The family suggests donations in memory of Frank H. Allen may be made to the West Sand Lake Fire Co., P.O. Box 539, West Sand Lake, NY 12196.