JOESPH RAYMOND ALLEN

Buffalo News - 12/29/00

Joseph R. Allen, former president of a steel forging company, died Wednesday in Kenmore Mercy Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Allen, 81, was founder and co-owner of Alry Tool & Die Co., a steel forging manufacturer in the Town of Tonawanda, and served as its president for 40 years. He also worked as an apprentice and journeyman tool and die maker at J.H. Williams Corp.

Born in Buffalo, Allen was a graduate of Seneca Vocational High School.

He was active at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Kenmore, where he served as a eucharistic minister and outreach volunteer.

He was a member of the Ellwood Volunteer Fire Company.

His hobbies were music, fishing and oil painting.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Zeta L. Allen of the Town of Tonawanda; two daughters, Kristine A. Gazzo of Lockport and Mary Lou Francoforte of the Town of Tonawanda; five sons, Peter W. and John C. of the Town of Tonawanda, Michael J. of Amherst, and Patrick L. and Stephen A. of Enfield, Conn.; a brother, William R. of the Town of Tonawanda; and 22 grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in St. John the Baptist Church, 1085 Englewood Ave., Kenmore. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda.