WESTFIELD – Todd Allen (1965-2022) was born in Westfield, MA to Margaret and William Crane way back when Noble Hospital still had a nursery. With a mop of red hair and sparkling blue eyes, two-year-old Todd once surprised neighbor Mac with a happy, “hello”, from the tiptop of a ladder while the barn roof was being repaired. At school, Todd always remembered to let the girls get on the bus first. As a teen, he enjoyed both The Advent Christian Church and the YMCA Leaders Club. Todd was lucky because Gram’s house on Franklin Street was his stomping ground, and he was able to make the friends of a lifetime; you know who you are, and he never forgot.
Todd Allen was beloved by his family: Gram, Mother Margaret, little sister Marie Crane-Yvon, her husband Jim and treasured nephews Josh and Ben Yvon, sister Marion Allen, nieces Amanda and Holly, nephew Joey and Todd’s little brother, Anthony Pepin. Todd loved Karen Schuster for 25 years beyond measure, and her children Scott Jr. and Kristen, just as a father would. Over time their spouses Glenda and Matt, as well as their entire extended family. The greatest joy came with the grandchildren, first a double blessing of Emma and Soleil, born just a month apart. Soon after Scotty lll, Clara and baby Luna completing the circle, for a time the merry moniker was, “5 under 5”. There were busy days of sports balanced with quiet moments watching thunderstorms, nestling with the dogs by the back sliding doors. There was always time for a quick stop at Cumbies and working out was simply a priority. Since he was the proudest Papa, he was truly everything a little one could ask for in a grandfather; he and Gramma Karen’s magical home is always cozy and filled with love. Birthday parties, sleepovers, pick-ups at school, recitals, practices, races and games are first on the calendar. Todd put his heart into everything he did, he was a gentleman, a superior friend, an inspiring coach, a champion of kindness, dog whisperer, cat protector, comic book lover, a voracious reader with a photographic memory who could have easily slayed on Jeopardy. He shared invention ideas for years, it is notable and surprising how many times we said, “Todd came up with that one a long time ago”. When he was younger, Todd worked at Service Star and later as an auto body appraiser and service desk manager. Coworkers and customers from all around knew and loved him for all of the above and more.
It is no coincidence that we lost Todd so near the fall equinox. A sacred day of equal parts light and dark, facing outward as well as turning inward, and allowing our past and future to merge in the present. Our new normal will be filled with these contrasts. Let’s remind ourselves that the dark, cloudy days might surprise us with a magical thunderstorm. On the sunshiny days may we walk through the fields and just as easily as Todd, find all the four-leaf clovers.
Calling hours will be held at Firtion Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street in Westfield, MA on Friday, September 30th from 4-7 p.m. A private family burial will be held in North Adams Mass, Todd taking his final rest next to Gram. A box will be available on Friday attached with a special request. It would be wonderful if favorite stories or little memories could be jotted down for his grandchildren, the gift of helping to keep his memory alive will be forever cherished. In lieu of flowers, donations to support The Westfield Animal Sanctuary would be wonderful. Thank you for the outpouring of love. www.firtionadams.com
