Matthew Francis Allen

Matthew Francis “Matt” Allen, of Holyoke, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2020 after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Holyoke on April 7, 1961, son of the late Roger Allen and Alma (Lucchesi) Allen-Vincent.  Matt was a 1979 Graduate of Holyoke High School where he was Captain of the Football, Track and Basketball teams, helping to lead the basketball team to the State Finals in 1979 and was voted Class Athlete of 1979. He was a graduate of Wilbraham Monson Academy and American International College where he continued playing football while earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Matt had a successful career as a dedicated Account Executive in the Transportation Industry, working for YRC Freight, Old Dominion Freight Line and most recently Central Transport. In his spare time he was a fierce and competitive baseball and basketball coach for all three of his children. He will be remembered for his beautiful smile and warm and welcoming manner, touching the lives of all who knew him. Matt leaves behind the great loves of his life, his high school sweetheart and wife of 35 years, Joanne (Destromp) Allen, a son, Ryan Allen; two daughters, Bridget and Caitlin Allen, all of Holyoke. He also leaves two sisters Sharon (Allen) Allen and Cindy Cocchi of Holyoke, and several loving family members, and friends. Besides his parents, Matt was predeceased by a brother, Kevin M. Allen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street, Holyoke.  Burial will be private.  Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 14, 2020 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Matt to Shriner’s Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or the American Red Cross, 150 Brookdale Drive, Springfield, MA 01104.

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