Obituary of George Allen

George Allen, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, February 16, 2025. He was the devoted son of the late George and Doris (Flaherty) Allen. Born on March 31, 1931 and raised in Brockton, MA, he later resided in South Meadow Village where they enjoyed bowling, poker and many other activities. George and his wife, Joan, were also snowbirds who cherished their winters in Fort Pierce, Florida, where they enjoyed the beach, playing tennis, and bridge with friends.

George was a 1949 graduate of Brockton High School, and a proud member of the second graduating class of Stonehill College in 1953, where he participated in numerous sports, including boxing. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Army from 1953-1955 and honorably served his country at Fort Benning, GA and Frankfurt Germany. From 1957-1978 he owned and operated Allen Shoe Stores in Brockton, Sharon and Foxboro, MA

Deeply committed to public service, George was an elected member of Brockton City Council from 1962-1966. George also served on the Planning Board for Southeastern Regional Technical School before becoming a member of its first School Committee in 1964, where he was a passionate advocate for education. He later continued his service as a member of the Brockton School Committee from 1998-2002 and was a past president of the Brockton Day Nursery on Crescent Street, the oldest non-profit day care center in the country.  Additionally, he was a past president of the Campello Businessmen’s Association.

Beyond his dedication to his community, George’s greatest joy was his family. Thanksgiving was his favorite family event of the year, where he loved gathering with loved ones and making lifelong memories. He was known for his competitive spirit, whether playing cribbage with his grandchildren after dinner or joining them on the basketball court. Even at 88 years old, he played basketball with his grandkids, impressively scoring on his grandchildren and proudly competing on the winning team. His love for games and time with family was a true testament to his energy and enthusiasm for life. George was also a fierce competitor on the tennis court, proudly defeating his son-in-laws in matches until the age of 80.

George was content and willing to do anything, always embracing whatever life and family threw his way. Whether dressing up as Kenny Rogers or a Star Wars character for a family costume party, he made every moment meaningful.

He was also the rare man who was willing to go shopping with his wife and patiently wait for her to finish- a true testament of his love for his wife.

George is survived by his devoted wife of 28 years, Joan Allen (Belanger). He was a loving stepfather to Leeann Trahan (Richardson) and her husband, David Trahan, of Lisbon, NH; Vicki (Richardson) Logan and her husband, James Logan III, of Attleboro, MA; and Elaine (Richardson) Haynes and her husband, Tyler Haynes, of Attleboro, MA. He is also survived by his daughter, Kristina Sakowich (Allen), and her former spouse, Michael Sakowich, along with their eight children, Samantha (Sakowich) Harrell, Thomas Sakowich, Joseph Sakowich LeeAnn Sakowich, Robyn (Sakowich) Amaro, Melanie Sakowich, Hallie Sakowich and Maxwell Sakowich. George is predeceased by his sister Judith (Allen) Farmer and baby brother Russell Allen.

A cherished grandfather, George will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Meagan Proulx, Richard Trahan, Nicholas Trahan, James Logan IV, Evan Landry, Logan Trahan, Luke Logan, Jake Logan, Mason Haynes, Caroline Haynes, Owen Haynes and many great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his children George, Tommy, Lisa, Maria, and Teresa, as well as his beloved nieces and three brothers-in-law.

George is predeceased by his sister, Judith (Allen) Farmer and baby brother Russell Allen. 

George deeply valued his lifelong friendship with his best friend, Harry C. Allen, who recently passed away. He also treasured the many friendships he built over the years, especially with his poker and bridge companions in Carver and Fort Pierce, Florida.

George will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his dedication to education and public service, and the warmth and kindness he shared with all who knew him. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Cranberry Hospice or Bayada VNA.

Services will be on Thursday, February 20th at Shepherd Funeral Home, 116 Main St (Rt. 58) Carver, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, with memories to be shared at noon.