We met when we were both in high school and you saved me with your music and spirit. I know we will gig again someday.  Till then keep practicing.

I was looking for a guitar instructor for my son. I was put in contact with Kevin by a friend. My son struggled with learning and Kevin was a class act. So much I started taking lessons with him for Ukele and soon after for guitar. I looked forward to our lessons every week. I had never before felt like I had the ability to learn music. He made such a difference in my life and gave me a gift I will cherish forever. I love that guy. So sorry for the family and friends of this angel on earth, now in heaven.

Today we say good bye and  celebrate the life of our cousin, Kevin Allen —a truly wonderful man who meant so much to so many people.
For seven long years, Kevin fought cancer with incredible courage and strength. Through every challenge, he never let his illness define who he was. He continued to live with heart, determination, and a love for the people around him.
Kevin had a gift that touched countless lives through his music. He wasn't just a talented musician—he was a teacher and a mentor. He shared his passion so generously, inspiring others to discover their own love of music. Whether he was performing, teaching, or simply talking about music, you could see the joy it brought him and everyone around him.
People loved Kevin not only because of the music he played, but because of the kind, caring, and genuine man he was. He had a way of making people feel welcome, encouraging them, and leaving them better than he found them.
While our hearts are heavy today, we are grateful for the time we had with him and for the memories he gave us. His music may have ended, but the melody of his life will continue to play in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.
Kevin, thank you for your courage, your kindness, your music, and your love. You fought so hard, and now you can rest. We will miss you more than words can say, but we will carry your memory with us always.
Rest in peace, Kevin. Your music will never be forgotten.

We Love you, Ed, Diane, Evan and Samantha 
Till we meet again

There are some people whose presence is so deeply woven into the fabric of your life that it’s impossible to imagine the world without them. Kevin Allen was one of those people.

For over forty years, your family has been a part of mine through my lifelong friendship with Kerrianne. From childhood to high school, college, and all of life’s milestones since, Mr. Allen was always there—a booming “Hey, Liz!” at the front door, a smile that instantly made you feel welcome, and a heart that made everyone feel like family.

As a teenager, I was fortunate enough to have conversations with him that helped shape the person I would become. I’ll never forget him driving the U-Haul to Siena, filled with everything Kerrianne and I needed to begin our next chapter. He showed up without question, just as he always did for the people he loved.

Mr. Allen’s kindness, humor, loyalty, and love of music filled every room he entered. But what I’ll remember most is how deeply he loved his family. It was evident in everything he did.

As I sat with all of you yesterday, surrounded by family and friends sharing stories, laughter, and tears, I realized that the measure of a life isn’t counted in years—it’s counted in the lives forever changed because someone was here. Kevin’s life was measured in countless acts of love, generosity, friendship, and unwavering devotion to those around him.

The world feels a little quieter without him, but his spirit will continue to live on in every story told, every song played, every laugh shared, and in the incredible family he leaves behind.

Mrs. Allen, Kerrianne, and Jerilyn—please know that you are surrounded by so many people who love you and who will continue to carry Kevin’s memory forward. His legacy is one that will never fade.

Rest peacefully, Mr. Allen. Thank you for opening your home, your heart, and your life to so many of us. I will always be grateful to have known you.

With all my love and deepest sympathy,
Liz

RIP sir I had the honor of being your student over a decade ago, Ill always remember you and your lessons whenever I pick up a guitar🙏 heaven just got a tremendous guitarist and a one of a kind soul 🕊️

As a kid growing up in Astoria, I always heard “Kevin Allen” from all my dad and his musician friends as being a prophet of guitar knowledge. It was a no brainer to go to him if you want to learn how to play. 
I first met Kevin when I was 16. I took lessons from him for two years before I went to college. I continued to play guitar and would go to see Kevin play locally when I could.  My dad even took lessons from him and would show me all the new licks he learned while I was away. 
When I was 22 I returned for lessons. I would love watching Kevin figure out songs on the spot and writing them down for me to practice later. The next lesson he would say “didn’t have time to practice your scales?, ah it’s alright - today we’ll learn something cool then…”
I enjoyed the lessons, not only for the technical information he was explaining, but I was just happy to hang with him and talk about music and life for an hour each week. 
When he started the open mic nights at Donovan’s, I looked foward to watching all of his students show off what they could do. Eventually it grew beyond the limits of his students. Musicians from all over were drawn to the music community he created.  
Every student of his knows what an impact Kevin had on them and their playing. The legacy he left behind will live forever. 

I know the jam sessions in heaven just got better,
-Anthony DeBona

Dear Kev. Thank u for your love & all the happiness we shared over the years.  We love you so much.  Rest in the arms of Jesus. Slainte Kev.  Have a glass of wine for me when I get there🍷Until we meet again❤️

So sorry to hear of your loss. You were my daughter's guitar teacher for several years.  We adored you.  Gave her a true love for classic 70s music.  We exchanged rocks from our vacations a few times. Still have them. Thanks for the memories.

I met Kev through my boyfriend, Richie T. over 30 years ago. However, 5 years before I lived in an apartment above the music school. I didn’t know Kev or Rich but probably crossed paths with them a bunch of times. It’s strange how the universe works. I think I was always meant to know them. Now it is hard to think of a world without Kev.
In the past 30 years, we’ve seen Kev play a bunch of times and Friday was Rich’s day at the music school. During Covid, that Rich’s Friday lesson turned virtual and it became a lifeline, a bright spot of connection during a dark time. I looked forward to hearing the sounds of guitars, Kev’s voice and their laughter. Sometimes I would pop my head in or not but he would always say “say hi to Kimmy “ at the end. Rich had his lesson scheduled the day we got the sad news. There will truly be a void in our house. Kev was an original, one of a kind, amazing person and musician. Prayers to hi wife, daughters and family. Rest in Peace.

My name is George KATSIARIS and Kevin was my guitar teacher back in the day when I was a teenager . He was the most kindest soul and toughest teacher when needed and all my experiences were positive. He was Astoria’s treasure and woodside too my heart ❤️ and my thoughts are with your family GOD Bless his soul and may GOD shine the Brightest light on his wonderful family. I’m sorry to say I won’t be able to attend the wake . He will be missed . My sincere condolences .

Kevin was a massive influence not just to me, but to countless other’s. That influence is still motivates me and has shaped my life in a beautiful way. 
Kevin gave me my first musician gig. It was New Year’s Eve, I was 15 years old, and he sent me to an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn to play guitar from table to table.  I remember saying I only knew about half a dozen songs, and he said not to worry, “ just watch  people leave ,  go back to the tables when they sit new ones and play the same songs “.  It was brilliant and worked. So many other great memories and stories that are unique to Kevin, and the type of person he was   He will be greatly missed, but also greatly remembered. 
Thank You my lifelong mentor, see you at the big jam. 
God Speed Kev . 
ANTHony Papamichael.

Rest in peace Kevin.
I will always remember you playing in my Dad’s band , Jack Chiello, and playing at my wedding at the Astoria Manor.
May you fly with the Angels 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Connie Chiello

My name is Rich Terdoslavich. I was one of Kevin’s students. He always called me Richie and he was a great friend, great instructor and an incredible guitar player. I learned so much from him whether it was certain guitar licks or just life itself. He was very encouraging when I was learning something new on guitar and I still can’t believe he’s gone. My first lesson was on July 17th 1986 and my last was on July 17th 2026. Forty years of practice, learning, the ups and downs of playing guitar and never quitting. That’s what Kev taught me, what he inspired me. Even when it was tough to get a handle on playing guitar, just kept going.  Our condolences to Kev’s family, friends and students. You’ll be missed, Kev. We lost a great person and a giant/legend. Goodbye, Kev. You’ll never be forgotten.

I’m so saddened to hear of Kevin’s passing. Though I lost touch with him many years ago, he made an impression on me I carried all my life. I played briefly in a band with him back around 1971. Kevin was the most talented guitarist I’ve known and always a lot of fun to play with. He was fast, played clean and sweet or could wail and blow the doors off.  I was always struck by his talent, his confidence and his kind spirit.
My condolences to his wife and daughters and the whole Allen family.
May the road rise up to meet you and the wind be always at your back… Rest in Peace my old friend.

RIP Kevin.
You where an amazing Friend and a great Guitar teacher and Musician. 
Always happy and upbeat. Always supportive.
Always positive and always talking about Fun things.
Thank you for teaching me to play and thank you for
Your strong spirit.
You are one of a kind. 
You will truly be missed.

Kevin Allen : a special type of kind and caring soul.  I first took guitar lessons from him when I was 16 yrs.  I recall a moment in time when he picked me up on the weekend in Woodside when I was 17 yrs old and he drove me to Manhattan, and helped me pick out a Fender Stratocaster, which i still have today.   Just so easy to talk, even through he was 10/11 yrs older then me and he always seemed so willing to help others.  Having a stage built in his honor in Donovans in Woodside, where he grew up, is the testament of how much he was loved by the community, friends and family.  I always think about him when playing my guitar.  Hearing his voice, making sure that I play the chords cleanly so the strings dont buzz.  I will always be in awe of his guitar playing skills.   Like so many, I will miss him and I will always remember this kind, selfless, humble human being.  God Bless Kevin Allen and his famly.

We all  will miss you my dear cousin. You were a wonderful husband, father and friend. Losing someone so special leaves a void that words cannot easily fill. Kevin touched many lives with his talent, generosity and spirit. Dear Arlene, Jerilyn and Kerry I hope you can find some comfort in the memories that you shared that now will feel so precious. May you find moments of peace in the days ahead and may the support of family and friends help you through this most difficult time. We all loved Kevin so much.

Fate has a way of changing the course of life as we know it. I was lucky to meet Kevin in late 2002 while hunting down a guitar my 19 year old son was looking for. I walked in and what I figured would be a 10 minute routine sale had us talking about music and things as if we’ve known each other from childhood. I walked out and told him I’d start lessons after the new year-something I had thought about for many years. So at 50 years old I started, and continued for close to  20 years. Along the way, there were times my lessons were more therapy sessions; discussing life, family, work, and construction projects. Kevin along with Steve played at my 1st granddaughters baptism celebration, my son’s engagement party and my brother John’s Retirement party. Such great memories that I and my family will cherish forever. I will miss him dearly but will never forget all he has taught me each time I pick up my guitar. My condolences go out to his wife and daughters and all the friends and family. We will all surely miss him. RIP my friend 🙏

As a kid Kevin taught me the opening of pinball wizard. I thought he was about the coolest looking person I'd seen. Somehow he tapped into a part of me that changed my life. Set me off on my own incredible journey. Can't tell you how sorry I am to hear this news but wanted to be sure his loved ones hear what an impact he had on so many peoples lives. Mine certainly. How lucky, I got to walk into that place and meet him.

OBITUARY

Kevin Joseph Allen

October 7, 1952 – July 31, 2026

Claude R. Boyd–Spencer Funeral Home

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