It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of our Family Patriarch.
David Leon Allen, 68, of North Troy, VT passed away suddenly at his home on January 04, 2024 following many months of declining health. David was the fourth child born to Lawrence and Elizabeth Allen, on October 26, 1955.
David married the love of his life Nellie Marie St.Onge, on January 20, 1973.
David was the proud and devoted father to his son Christopher Allen. David was also very proud to wear his badge as “Gramp” to both of his grandsons Jaden and Xander Allen.
As David and Nellie built their life together, they ambitiously established their new business idea together in 1995 which was “Diamond Rubbish Removal “
David named this business after his son Chris gave him the nickname“DiamondDave”.
Chris gave his father this nickname because of his Dad’s stage antics, drumming swagger, and charisma in performing in the band “StageHands” which reminded Chris of his idol “Diamond” David Lee Roth former frontman of Van Halen .
David, an avid drummer since his school days, eventually ended up joining the then “Warner Band” in 1982, where he played drums at the Missisquoi Manor in Lowell, VT During his 17 year tenure with the “StageHands” band, David played the drums and sang his songs every Saturday night at “Warners Dance Hall” without fail, even performing with a cast when he broke his wrist at work.
On a random Sunday afternoon David had one of his last minute idea’s to take the family down to Thunder Road in Barre, VT for one of many adventurous excursions.
On a whim, both Dave and his son Chris each purchased two raffle tickets for the opportunity to drive the “Goof” race car sponsored by “WLVB” at the time. As it turned out, Chris was one number away from winning and noticed his Father had won the chance to drive this spoof race car that Chris had dreamed of driving.
David actually qualified that junky spoof car for the feature race that evening, a feat that had not been accomplished before. David then placed that car in the feature race that night with a TopTen finish for the race.
This spoof race car experience led Dave and Nellie into their next adventure together starting “D & N” Racing. With much assistance from his sister and brother-in law Mr & Mrs Jim and Marilyn Crowe, “D&N Racing” was born.
Jim was Dave’s crew chief for many years. Every winter Jim and Dave would build a race car together for that upcoming season along with Jim’s son Eric and Dave’s son Chris.
David eventually earned himself another nickname at Thunder Road within the street stock division. This name would eventually become well known as “Dancing” Dave Allen of the number 11.
Ironically, Dancing Dave raced and danced on the outside groove for 11 years at Thunder Road before switching over to the Riverside Speedway within the SuperStocks division. David pursued victory with his new car and new crew which was then lead by his crew chief Mr. Michael Santaw Jr.
“Dancing” Dave then danced his way into victories and crashes throughout his 4 year tenure at the Riverside Speedway.
David also joined the North Troy Volunteer Fire Department, on October 26, 1973 eventually working his way through the ranks. Eventually, David became the Fire Chief and was the active NTFD Fire Chief up until his death. During his 50 plus years of fire fighting service he became a very well versed trainer. David had a knack for team building and often had very clever team exercise drills for his team. David was a great leader, tough as nails competitor, and always available to council anyone with a problem. David was a passionate supporter of the Fire Service as an entity.
David also helped establish and strengthen relationships within the International Mutual Aid system between North Troy, VT and Potton, Quebec, along with relations between the Mansonville, Quebec department at the time. You will be sorely missed in our Department.
David was predeceased by his wife Nellie; his parents Lawrence & Elizabeth; Brother Donald: Sister Kathleen; Mother & Father-in-law; Sister & Brother-in-law; Several Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
His survivors include Christopher & Lori (Sterling) Allen, Jaden and Xander Allen as well as his siblings Lorraine (Val) Whipple, Marilyn (Jim) Crowe, Douglas (Susan) Allen, along with several Nieces and Nephews.
Calling hours will be held at the Curtis- Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home located at 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport, VT on Friday, January 12th, 2024 from 6:30pm -8:30pm
Funeral Services will be held at the same location on Saturday, January 13th, 2024 from 11:00am -1:00pm with Reverend Eric Crowe presiding.
Gathering location to be announced at funeral service for 2:00pm.
Donations may be made in David’s memory to the North Troy Volunteer Fire Department, 160 Railroad Street, North Troy, VT 05859. On-line condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.
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