Richard H. Allen

Richard Howard Allen, 76, of Westford and formerly of Davenport Center, passed away peacefully at his home in the presence of his loving family on Monday, April 20, 2015 following a long illness with cancer.

Richard was born on September 6, 1938 in Oneonta, the son of Howard Ira and Beatrice Lillian (Wire) Allen. He married his soul mate, Sonja Lee Paterek on June 25, 1971.

Richard graduated from Oneonta High School in 1957. He was drafted to the United States Army shortly after high school and received an honorable discharge following his service. In 1964, he found the job that he loved and was employed by the D & H Railroad/CP Rail System for 35 years until his retirement in 1999.

While working for the railroad, Richard discovered his second passion, being a firefighter, and joined the Pindars Corners Fire Department in April 1970 and was an active member until December 1999, serving as Chief for 8 years. Many people who knew Richard still called him Chief and he was well known for his pancakes at the Pindars Corners pancake dinners. He became an honorary member in December 1999.

In his spare time, Richard enjoyed stock car racing and when not watching them, he loved working on cars with his sons. He also liked to go camping in the Adirondacks when he could. He loved grandfather clocks and enjoyed working on them. Above all, Richard treasured spending time with his family and his cats, Toby, Goldie, and Bumm.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years this June, Sonja Lee Allen; his daughter, Donna (Allen) and her husband Wes Mills, Sr.; his son, Howard Allen, and his wife Christine; his son, Frank Allen, and his wife Jessica; his daughter, Melissa Allen, and her fiancé Deforst Hunt; his son, Kevin Allen; his son, Steven Allen, and his wife Jeanette; his son Keith Allen, and his wife Sherri; 18 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his special friends, Dick and Lu Thomas; his special Aunt Helen Roberts, and several nieces and nephews.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, a brother, and a sister.

Friends and family may call from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, April 24, 2015 at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta, at which time his family will be receiving guests.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, April 24, 2015 at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mel Farmer and Rev. Elliot Oakes, officiating. Following the service, there will be a reception held at the Pindars Corners Fire Department on State Hwy 23.

In lieu of flowers, Richard’s family requests that you kindly consider making a donation in his memory to the Pindars Corners Fire Dept., State Hwy 23, Oneonta, NY 13820 or to the Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Richard’s family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at the Catskill Area Hospice for their wonderful care and support given to him.

To light a candle or to send an online condolence to the family, please visit our website: www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.