Allen Stanley Gurka, 86, went to be with the Lord on July 22, 2026. He was born in Ludlow, Massachusetts on August 6, 1939. He married the love of his life Elaine White of West Springfield, MA on August 27, 1960. In 2025 they celebrated 65 (sixty-five) years of marriage. He leaves his wife Elaine and three children, son David Gurka, daughter Linda Gurka Krol, son Todd Gurka and his wife Karen Rogers, and a granddaughter Kaylee Krol. He is predeceased by his father, Stanley F. Gurka and his mother, Edwina Jean Gurka.

Allen graduated from Springfield Technical High School in Springfield, MA in 1958. There he developed his artistic and musical abilities. He played lead guitar in the Tech Swingsters Band. Allen held a B.B.A. From the University of Massachusetts and an M.B.A. From American International College.

In 1960 he formed The Stan-Allen Company jointly with his father Stanley Gurka in Springfield, MA. The company which crafted steel rule cutting dies initially made its products through a hand-crafted procedure. Allen developed automated approaches through the use of lasers and computerized equipment. He played a major role in converting his industry from hand tooling to automation which is used today. The Stan-Allen Co. was one of the first companies in the U.S.A. to utilize automation in this manufacturing process.

Allen moved the company to Ludlow, MA in 1972. It was in Ludlow where he and his wife raised their family. He served as the President of the Ludlow Chamber of Commerce from 1977 to 1978.

Allen was a business leader and a pioneer in his field. He became a charter member of his industry trade organization which is today called The International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking. While serving as president from 1989 to 1991 he expanded the membership from U.S. companies to an international level with companies from around the world.

After selling the business he and his wife moved to The Villages in Central Florida in 2006. He found a church home in New Covenant United Methodist Church. There he formed friendships through several small groups and the men's church golf league. Allen enjoyed making others happy in his retirement years by creating custom greeting cards for friends and family, always with a sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on August 10, 11:00 AM at New Covenant United Methodist Church, 3470 Woodridge Dr. The Villages, Florida 32162.

Donations in Allen's name can be made to: New Covenant United Methodist Church, 3470 Woodridge Dr. The Villages. FL 32162