Gordon D Allen

unexpectedly on September 9, 2023, in New York

City. Born in Fort Benning, GA, he was the eldest

son of the late Colonel Walter Gordon Allen and Martha

Ryan Allen. Gordy grew up in Arlington, Virginia, and at

many Army bases across the United States and Germany.

He attended the University of Virginia and graduated

from the University of Washington with degrees in

nursing and English. Gordy worked as a registered nurse

in Seattle, Washington, and Juneau, Alaska, before

moving to New York City to work in sales and publishing

at the Carol Publishing Group. He later obtained his

master’s degree in education and taught English and

Advanced Placement English at William Cullen Bryant

High School in Queens, NY.

Gordy’s life was rich in experience and adventure.

Whether running the High School Shakespeare Oratory

program or hiking the National Parks, Gordy fearlessly

pursued his dreams. He had a passion for life, and his

adventures included running with the bulls in Spain,

climbing a glacier in Alaska, and living on a kibbutz in

Israel. Even in later years, Gordy continued to chase

passions and became a NYC Lifeguard at age 70. Gordy

was a captivating storyteller, an avid reader, and a

friend to all he met. He cherished family events, and his

Catholic faith held a special place in his heart.

Gordy is survived by his siblings, Mimi Zebrowski (Paul)

of Erie, PA, Riley Allen (Lesley) of Montpelier, VT, Maggie

Joshua (Robert) of Mount Pleasant, SC, and Katie Allen of

Alexandria, VA. Also surviving are many beloved nieces

and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held in his honor on Saturday,

October 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Ignatius Loyola

Catholic Church, 980 Park Avenue, New York, NY

10028. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made

to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s

Association.