Steven R. Allen

Steven “Red” Allen, 72, of Witherbee, NY passed away peacefully with his beloved family by his side on April 5, 2023, after a long, courageous battle with polycystic kidney disease. Throughout his battle with this disease, he always kept a positive attitude. Whenever asked how he was doing the answer was always “Great” with a big smile. He will forever be grateful for his brother-in-law, Thomas Kirsch, who graciously donated him a kidney that helped carry him through his sickness for 25 years. 

Steve was born on November 14, 1950 to the late Robert and Molly Allen. He grew up in Mineville, NY where he excelled in baseball, football, and wrestling. After graduating from Moriah Central School in 1969, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and was stationed in Georgia where he continued playing baseball with the 139th Military Police. He would often tell stories of travelling across the deep south while in the Army in search of AWOLs. After returning from service, he completed coursework and received his associates degree from North Country Community College.  

Steve worked at Essex Industries for over 40 years as a counselor where he positively impacted the lives of countless individuals. He was welcoming to everyone and had a comforting way about him. His kindness was infectious, and he always had a smile on his face no matter what difficult situation he may be faced with. Steve was always willing to lend a hand to those around him, in both his personal and professional life.  

Steve’s greatest joy in life was his family. The love he had for his wife Patty (Fernandez) was unparalleled. She was his guiding light and saving grace for nearly 50 years. Of all the titles that Steve was privileged to have, “Dad” and “Poppy” made him most proud. His immense love for his son Evan (Kearstin), and his grandsons Declan and Bryson, was beyond measure. One of Steve’s favorite pastimes was spending time surrounded by his very large and loving family either traveling, at the Koo-Koo’s nest on Lincoln Pond, or Petro’s Millbrook Campground. He is survived by his brother Robert (Barbara) Allen; his mother-in-law, Norma Fernandez; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Cindy (Michael: deceased) Shpur, Donna (Tom: deceased) Kirsch, Deborah (Phillip) Smith, Diane (Bernard: deceased) McCormick, James (Brenda) Fernandez, Timothy (Laurie) Fernandez, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Michael (MaryAnn) Allen and is now united with his grandson Harrison Robert. 

Calling hours will be Monday, April 10th from 6:00-8:00PM at Harland’s Funeral Home. Services will be held Tuesday, April 11th, 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Church in Port Henry, followed by a celebration of life at the Mineville VFW.  

Donations in Steve’s name can be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Burlington, VT at www.rmhcvt.org or the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation at pkdcure.org.