Allan John Minkkinen of Seabrook, New Hampshire, formerly of Andover and beloved husband of Leena M. (Tenhunen) Minkkinen, died at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital on Wednesday, July 8, 2009. He was 65 years old.
Born in Springfield, Vermont, on March 20, 1944, he was the beloved son of the late George and Myra (Makela) Minkkinen. Allan was a graduate of Fitchburg High School and received his Bachelor of Music degree from Boston University and Master of Music Education from Lowell State College. He taught as Sibellus Academy in Helsinki, Finland and performed on Finnish radio. He met his wife of, Leena, of 41 years while living in Finland. They returned to the United States where they raised their two daughters, Lisa and Anna. Mr. Minkkinen taught Instrumental Music in the Andover Public School system for 34 years and retired in 2003. He also taught many private lessons in trumpet and guitar. Allan had numerous bands, including Tukkipojat, as a young man and later the Versatones. He was an exceptional trumpet player and signer and also enjoyed playing classical guitar. He was also a lute player and sang with the Renaissance Ensemble, Good Company. Allan was a member of the Andover Sportsman’s Club, for many years.
Besides his beloved wife, Leena, Mr. Minkkinen will be missed by two loving daughters and two sons-in-law; Lisa Novak and her husband, Scott of Boxford and Anna Bourne and her husband Ted of Brooklyn, New York, three grandchildren; Ainsley and Haven Novak and Stella Bourne, two brothers; David Minkkinen and his wife Kathy of Alabama and Steven Minkkinen and his wife Renee of Maryland, two sisters; Karen Minkkinen Page and her husband James of Conway, New Hampshire and Janice Elaine Roy and her husband, Mark of Fairfield, Connecticut, five nephews; David Page, Nicholas and Zachary Roy and Keith and Erik Minkkinen, two nieces; Kate and Emily Minkkinen and numerous relatives in Finland.
Memorial visitation was held on Friday, July 17, 2009, from 4 to 8 PM in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover. A Memorial Service was celebrated during the visitation at 6 PM. Many relatives and friends gave beautiful tributes in Allan's memory. Donations in Allan’s memory may be made to the Always and Forever Memorial and Honor Program, American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, Ohio 44720. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.