It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Albert P. Allen, who left us on November 14, 2024, at the age of 72.
Albert passed away peacefully at Connecticut Hospice in Branford after a short battle with cancer. Born on March 18, 1952, in Middlebury, CT., Al spent the early years of his life living in Bridgeport. Al cherished spending time with family and friends, especially his beloved grandson, his “buddy,” pride and joy Anthony Dadio.
Al enjoyed going for drives, listening to movies, planting flowers, sitting at the beach, baking his infamous chocolate cake, pumpkin pie, and sugar cookies, decorating for Christmas, baking Christmas cookies, feeding the ducks and birds, crafting and sitting outside on his porch. He was an avid collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia, stamps, and coins.
He loved going to the casino, auctions, bingo, and bowling. His favorite vacation spot was Florida to visit his sister Grace and go to Disney World. As a teenager, he participated in competitive roller skating as a single and in pairs, winning a state championship.
He also loved to square dance in his younger days. He was the co-founding member of TOPS Connecticut Chapter #166 with his wife Mary. Al enjoyed watching the New York Yankees, New York Jets and the UCONN Huskies men’s and women’s basketball teams. Al loved to watch his grandson Anthony’s baseball games, including the college games that were televised. Al worked at Fitzgerald’s Grocery Store in Ansonia where he met the love of his life Mary. Al went on to work at Adams Grocery Store in Derby and then finally Griffin Hospital until retiring. He was lovingly known as “Poppy” by his grandson Anthony and his nieces and nephews would call him, “Uncle Al, the kiddies pal.”
Al proudly served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1972 and served in Korea during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and was a Marksman and a Sharpshooter.
Al was predeceased by his soul mate and love of his life and wife, Mary Lastauskas Allen, both parents, Edwin Allen and Marion Gehringer Allen, brothers Edwin Jr., Howard, and Raymond. Al leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter Lisa Dadio (Martin) of Seymour and Evelyn Allen Veillette of Saratoga Springs, NY., his beloved grandsons, Anthony, Jesse and Andrew Dadio, his granddaughters Amber Law and Brittney LaPiccirella, and his great-granddaughters Harper and Hazel Korsko.
Al cherished and considered Nicole Garrett (Brian) of Ansonia as a daughter. He is also survived by his sister Grace (Thomas) Rennie of FL, brother Roland Allen (Anita) of FL, and sister Robin Joseph of Ansonia and her daughter Laurel who held a special place in his heart, along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews.
Known for his rough exterior, he had an incredible sense of humor, generosity, and gentle nature, Al will be remembered as someone who always put others before himself. His legacy of love, kindness, and strength will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. K. Marya Chaisson, Ellen Demagistris, the nurses, respiratory therapists, MSTs, COPD Wellness Center, case managers and doctors from Griffin Hospital, his nurses, aides, and staff from AccentCare (MaryAnn, Marie, Jennifer, Rianna, and Sherry) and the Stratford VNA who supported and cared for him throughout the later years of his life.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the nurses and staff of Connecticut Hospice for their care, compassion, and unwavering support during Al’s final days.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 9:00 – 11:00 am in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. A funeral service in celebration of Al’s life will follow visitation at 11:00 am with Deacon Victor Lembo officiating. Burial with United States Army military honors will immediately follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in Ansonia.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Al’s memory directly to Connecticut Hospice at www.hospice.com. To sign Al’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit, www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
