ALBANY – Joseph P. Allen, 90, of Albany, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, August 22, 2016. The son of Joseph Francis Allen and Helen Roche Allen, he was born July 22, 1926 in Albany, and lived here all his life. Joe graduated from St. Ann’s School in the South End of Albany. “You can take the boy out of the South End but you can’t take the South End out of the Boy”. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, Class of 1944 at the rank of Lieutenant and was a member of the CBA Cavalry. He attended the Albany College of Pharmacy, and graduated from Albany Business College. Joe served in the United States Navy during WWII as a Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class, stationed at various naval installations along the east coast. While he never revealed the specifics, part of this service was to treat the wounded returning from Okinawa, an experience that left a lasting memory.
Joe and Carolina were married on September 17, 1949 beginning the next chapter in their adventure together. They spent their honeymoon motoring from Albany to Boston with a stop in Springfield Massachusetts for a romantic dinner. After a three day stay in Boston they proceeded to Augusta, Maine and then on to Niagara Falls – A whirlwind tour of over 2,000 miles.
Returning to Albany they took up residence in a flat by the Allen Rug Company where Joe worked with his father “Big Joe” and the William Allens. A family soon started to arrive in rapid succession with the birth of Carolyn, followed by Elizabeth, Joseph, Michael, Francis and Patrick. They took the boy out of the South End moving the family to larger (needed) living quarters but always maintained allegiance to the South End. Joe’s work career found him selling real estate and ultimately to the Albany Housing Authority where he enjoyed a 25-year career as the manager of a number of the housing facilities throughout the city. In 1990 he began the enjoyment of retirement, travel, and as “Papa Joe” to his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, his brother Robert Francis, and his daughter Carolyn Allen Meltzer. He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Carolina Connors Allen; son-in-law Evan Meltzer; grandson Philip Meltzer, his wife Cari, and great-grandchildren Connor Brown and Molly Lynn Meltzer; granddaughter Caroline Meltzer Brody, her husband Andrew, and great-granddaughter Evelyn Brody; daughter Elizabeth Allen Wyld and her husband John S. Wyld; granddaughter Elizabeth Wyld, her fiancee Lynda Smith, and great-granddaughter Victoria Smith-Wyld; grandson John S. Wyld III and his wife Victoria; son Joseph F. Allen, his wife Marilou Welch, and grandchildren Joseph P. II, Kathleen, Mary, and Casey Allen; son Michael P. Allen, his wife Diane Fletcher, and grandchildren Michael and Kerry Allen; granddaughter Kristina Allen Koonz and her husband Matthew; son Francis X. Allen, his wife Elaine Mendel, and grandchildren Francis X. Jr., Andrea, Katherine, and Meaghan Allen; son Patrick W. Allen and his wife Diane Farrell.
The family also includes Joe’s brother Richard C. Allen and his wife Dianne; nephews Richard and Kevin Allen and nieces Cathleen Valette and Diane Dewey; sister-in-law Joan Connors Nash; brother-in-law Francis S. Connors and his wife Carol; survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Sean Roche whose care and concern has consistently been over and above his professional responsibilities, Sr. Jean Roche for her compassion and support during this time, the staff of the St. Peter’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the St. Peter’s Hospital Intensive Care Unit and Hospice Inn.
Anyone wishing to remember Papa Joe in a special way can send a donation to the Christian Brothers Academy Big Brother for Education Scholarship Fund, 12 Airline Dr., Albany, NY 12205; or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation – MMRF, PO Box 414238, Boston, MA 02241-4238 or themmrf.org/donatenow .
The friends and family are invited to share in the joys of Joe’s life on Sunday, from 3-7 p.m. in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany. Funeral Services will be at the Parish of Mater Christi, Hurst Ave. & Hopewell St., Albany Monday morning at 10:00am. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.
To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Kevin Allen
Uncle Joe ~ my earliest memories in life include running around your house on Western Ave at family parties. You always had a smile on your face, a good story & something positive to say!
Carolina and you raised a beautiful family. Quite a life ~ you made this world a better place and you’ll be missed!
Rest in peace Uncle Joe.
Jean Roche rsm
In the midst of sorrow, reconnecting with the Allen family was also a source of gratitude and joy for me.Your witness of loyalty and love, humor and faith, was an unforgettable inspiration .Be assured of my continued support in presence and in prayer. Sister Jean
Meg Reilly
Joe and Carolina were like a second set of parents to me. As the 7th child, I felt always welcome in the Allen house and certainly spent enough time there! Joe and Carolina both had ample love and smiles to go around.
So, to Carolina, Beth, Joe, Mike, Francis, Patrick and all you beautiful families, you have my love and I share in your loss.
Peg and Joe St.Onge
To the Allen Family,
Joe and I know there are no words to soften the pain,
with heartfelt sympathy, May your friends comfort you, May faith uphold you, and May loving memories heal your heart. I will end this like I did every night before leaving for home “Good night Joe I’ll see you tomorrow” you will all be in our prayers.
Robert Cunningham
Dear Carolina and family:
Joe was certainly a special light in this world. He was a friend from our days at Christian Brother’s and beyond. I was honored to be a groomsman at your wedding and to return to Albany to celebrate your 50th. He lived a full, productive and happy life. Trudy and I send our sincerest wishes and prayers for your comfort and peace at this difficult and sorrowful time. He truly left the world a better place.
Love and prayers to all,
Bob and Trudy Cunningham
Kathleen Roche Buff
Many years have passed since Joe brought his soon to be bride to 55 Edgecomb and introduce her to the Roche side of the family.My husband Lou would always comment how hospitable the Allens would be at family functions and felt very welcomed(and he wasn’t,t even an Irish Democrat) Besides Carolina,children and grandchildren special thoughts to Dick Allen as Jean, Joe and I lost our sister Pat this year and we know the sadness he feels.Job well done “Papa Joe”. Rest in peace. Kathleen Roche Buff