Holden – Allen Henry Beck, 82, of Holden, MA died on March 26, 2013 in UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus with his family by his side. He was a six year survivor of pancreatic cancer.
Allen leaves his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara L. (Wilson) Beck; two daughters, Nancy Lee Pope and her husband Peter J. Pope of Jefferson, MA and Beth Ann Carrigan and her husband Stephen Carrigan of Worcester, MA. He also leaves four grandsons, John Allen Carrigan of Worcester, MA, Michael Allen Pope and his wife Melissa of New York City, William Christopher Pope of Washington D.C. and Patrick James Pope of Jefferson, MA. Allen is also survived by his sister Joan A. Beck of Croton-on-Hudson, NY and his brother John W. Beck and his wife Jane of Cortlandt Manor, NY. He also leaves many cousins, nieces, nephews, one great niece and one great nephew. He is predeceased by two grandsons Andrew P. Carrigan and Christopher C. Pope.
A lifelong Episcopalian, Allen was a member of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Holden for 42 years. He served as an usher, a member of the finance committee and volunteered for the Mustard Seed as well as the Church Mouse Fair. Allen enjoyed playing the part of the Old King for over 20 years at the Family Christmas Eve Service.
He was a member of the Association of the U.S. Army, American Legion, National Rifle Association, National Army Museum, Worcester Pistol and Rifle Club, Gun Owners Action League, U.S.O., The Army Historical Foundation Inc., Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Insurance Security Association, American Society for Industrial Security, The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the North Worcester Fox and Coon Club.
Allen was an avid hockey fan. He was a season ticket holder for the Worcester Ice Cats and the Worcester Sharks. Allen, along with his grandchildren, developed hundreds of greeting cards which he sent to members of the teams. These were sent to players to compliment them on their play or fighting ability. His daughters called him “Card Man.”
Allen joined the Army originally at 15 years old and reenlisted at 17 years old. He served on Guam at the Replacement Depot and the Military Police. When the Korean War started he was sent to activate the 538th Field Artillery Battalion. While at Fort Carson he was severely burned in a barracks fire, which resulted in his disability retirement. He was retired with the rank of SFC.
Allen was employed by the Hanover Insurance Company for 39 years, retiring in 1996. He started his career in the Claims Department in NYC, working as an investigator, adjuster, supervisor, and home office examiner. In the late 1960’s he was asked to investigate some problems which had developed in the Claim Department Area, and as a result of this case, Allen was asked to develop a Claim Security Unit. The department was named the National Security Department which Allen headed as Manager. Allen acquired the nick name as “Darth Vader” undoubtedly coined by his many admirers in the company. Well maybe admirers is an overstatement. Allen’s largest case recoverd over 5 million dollars for the company.
Allen and his family thank his many Doctors, Nurses and PCA’s who have cared for him over the years. A special thanks to Dr. Sunita Godiwala M.D., Dr. Bilial Pippirdi M.D., Dr. Jennifer Tseng M.D., Dr. Vjay Kasturi M.D., and Mary Sullivan DNP. Deepest thanks to the 5th floor Oncology Ambulatory Building nurses; Andrea, Celeste, Nancy and Pam, the 6th floor chemotherapy nurses, Lucille and Theresa and all the staff on the 7th floor of the U. Mass Hospital, especially Rachel, Eun Ju, and Theodora.
Allen’s final words were, “I’ve had a good life, wonderful wife and family. A parting word of advice; marry a nurse if you want live a long and happy life.”
Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, March 30th at 9 AM in the parking lot of St. Francis Episcopal Church 70 Highland St. Holden to follow in procession to Hillside Cemetery, Sterling for a graveside service which will begin at 9:30 AM in the cemetery. At the conclusion of the graveside service all are invited back to St. Francis Episcopal Church for a Memorial Service beginning at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Memorial Fund at St. Francis Episcopal Church 70 Highland Street Holden, MA 01520, or to the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance / UMass Memorial Foundation, 333 South Street Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home 12 Hammond St. Worcester is directing arrangements. To share a memory of Allen, or to offer a message of condolence to family, please visit www.Royfuneral.com