Obituary of David G. Allen

David G. Allen, 73, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 19, 2014. Son of Charles S. and Mary Frances (Costello) Allen, he was born in Syracuse, NY on July 13, 1940 and grew up in Oswego, NY. He graduated from Oswego High School in Class of 1958 and Colgate University, Class of 1962. David worked for many years (1971-1994) as a CLU for Northwestern Mutual Insurance and later as a financial advisor with Key Private Bank/Investments, MassMutual Life Insurance, and the Principal Financial Group, all in Syracuse. His most rewarding work came in the last decade when he devoted his time to various leader roles in the Franciscan Collaborative Ministries in Syracuse, On-Point-For-College, and Brady Faith Center. David gave generously of his time and talent to a number of Central New York charities by serving on their boards and volunteering in their missions, most notably, The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York, the Rescue Mission of Syracuse, Samaritan Center, the Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, and St. Joseph's Hospital. David is predeceased by his parents and brother, Charles Ellery Allen. He is survived by his wife, Mary (Coward) Allen of Syracuse; children, Julie (James) Cecile of Syracuse, Kathleen (Steve Hoffmann) Allen of Missoula, MT, Matthew (Kassia) Allen of Penfield, Andrew (Holly) Allen of Baldwinsville; step-daughter, Heather Ainsworth of Ithaca; grandchildren, Hannah, Robert and Emma Cecile, Cooper, Isabel, and Delaney Allen, Lia, Natalie and Andrew John (A. J.) Allen; brother, Daniel (Joan Kolp) Allen of Oswego; sisters, Marjory (George) Perez of Lyons, Joanna (Harold) Nelson of Oswego, Laura (Thomas) Donovan of Oswego; sisters-in law, Patricia Coward (Sanford MacMillen) of Williamsville, Jean Coward (David Gillis, deceased) of Erie, PA, and Judith Geschwindt (Brian) of Randolph, NJ; former wife, Elizabeth (Devoy) Allen of Liverpool, many nieces and nephews and many friends, especially Susan and Dennis McNamara. Services will be at 10:30am on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at St. Lucy's Church, 432 Gifford St., Syracuse. Calling hours will be Tuesday 4 to 7pm at the church. Burial will be private. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, 5005 Campuswood Dr., East Syracuse, NY 13057, Brady Faith Center, 404 South Ave., Syracuse, NY 13204 or a charity of your choice.