Obituary of Robert W. "Bob" Allen
Robert Wolfe Allen, age 76 of Elmira, NY passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 11, 2023 with his loving family by his side. Robert was born in Elmira, the son of the late Robert L. Allen and Betty I. (Wolfe) Allen of Elmira, NY. Robert leaves behind his wife of 43 yrs, Joan Schlappi-Allen and children, Jeremy (Juliana Karr) Allen, Joshua (Mareike) Allen and Joselyn Allen, four grandchildren, Boone, Kirstin, Connor and Elsie, step-mother, Helga Johnson, sister, Heidi McGrew and brother, Peter Allen. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Wardwell.
Robert graduated from EFA, served in the US Air Force and had Master’s degrees from Purchase and Hunter Colleges. He initially worked in urban planning in NYC and returned to Elmira after the birth of his eldest son to be close to family. He worked for Chemung County DSS in Children’s Services as senior caseworker, supervisor and later as HR Director. He was a past president of union local CSEA and served on multiple community boards and was active in politics. His career led him to HR Director positions at Clinton Community College, Plattsburg, NY, Spencerport School District, Spencerport, NY, Corning Community College, Corning, NY. and Woodbrook, Elmira, NY.
During his career, Robert found enjoyment in his family, in collegiate teaching (evenings) and collecting toy soldiers. In Elmira, he enjoyed coaching his own children and the children of the community in Chemung Valley and the Soaring Capital Soccer Clubs from the 70’s through the 90’s. His passions included a love of history, culture, and politics. Robert is at rest in the National Cemetery at Woodlawn after a private family service. Robert left behind a lasting legacy for his children and grandchildren of love, strength, compassion and perseverance.
Those wishing to honor Robert’s memory may do so with a donation for scholarships to Soaring Capital Soccer Club, P.O. Box 43, Corning, NY 14830 Attn: Matt Ricci.
