Samuel H. Allen

Allen III, Samuel Henry of Middle Island, NY on October 5, 2024 in his 88th year. Beloved husband of Anita. Loving father of Jerry (Carol-Anne Walsh), Jane (Sheila O’Brien) John (Tina), June Almeida (George) and Jean Landmesser (Chris). Adored Grandfather of Samantha, Miles, Kelsey, Katy, Devin (Ashleigh), Sean (Allison), Max (Megan), Nicole (Gordon), Alexia (Michael), Vicky (Jason), Lottie and Chase. Cherished Great-grandfather of Alex, Raine, Felicity, Penelope, Lincoln, Autumn, Aurelia and Olivia. Dear brother of Maryann Allen and Madelyn Chadwick. He is preceded in death by his brother Gerald Allen.

Samuel was known to friends and family as ‘Sam’. His life revolved around family, his business, motorcycles, and boats. He enjoyed people, tennis, skiing, reading and a lifelong interest in classic cars.

Married to Anita (Kennedy) in 1958, Sam and Anita lived in Dix Hills, Blue Point and later, as a successful car salesman, he purchased a home in Crystal Brook Park, Mt. Sinai where they raised their five children. It was a rustic house with a water view in an idyllic community. Winter winds, hurricanes and nor'easters blew freely through the walls and around the window panes, but living there was special and included boats, tennis courts, community events and a golf cart! 

Impulsive and fun loving as a child, Sam’s escapades in and around his hometown of Greenlawn are well remembered. Among the stories passed down are eating poison ivy to impress his cousins, driving to high school in a car ‘borrowed’ from a stranger at the train station, and attempting to sneak off with a beer keg from the various Fire Department dances. 

He completed three years of night school at St John's University. For over 10 years he was a volunteer fireman for the Mt. Sinai Fire Department Rescue Squad where he learned fire science and completed EMT training. As a commissioner, he helped purchase a pumper and a modern rescue truck and pioneered trial use of fire suppressing foam at automobile accidents and power ventilation for structural fires. In retirement he embraced electronic and computer technology in his own unique way. 

During this time, Sam started his own heavy equipment business, Sam Allen’s Modern Machinery. Many people regarded him as a natural salesman, the good kind, one who will put you in the right sailboat, car, or machine. Modern Machinery, which he owned and operated for 30 years, was known for honest dealing, innovation and showmanship, with an element of adventure and a side helping of chaos.

In the late 80’s, Sam and Anita downsized to their Birchwood condominium on a golf course in Middle Island, providing a great place for family to visit over the years. In their retirement, they split time between New York and Fort Pierce, FL where they lived on the Indian River enjoying the view, boating, fishing, walking and entertaining visits from the kids and grandkids. Sam was an active motorcycle rider up until his death and belonged to riding groups in both states.

The facts of his life are not really what we think of when we reflect on his life, he was a guy looking to enjoy the moment with you. He effectively read a person’s personality, found mutual interest, and laid on the charm which included some self-effacing humor designed to connect with those around him. He never met a stranger as they say and he was always ready to lend a hand to someone in need (and invariably made it a longer project than it needed to be).

Each night, before going to bed he’d say, “Good night. Family minute is over” and he’d throw kisses round the room. Good night Sam, family minute is over.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories at www.give.cshl.edu