John C Allen III, 85, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, due to heart failure after a courageous ten-year battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was surrounded by loved ones and will be dearly missed.

John was born in Burlington, VT, became an Eagle Scout, and received the God and Country Award. He represented Vermont at the World Scouting Jamboree in England in 1957. After graduating from high school, John spent a year focusing on academics and basketball at Worcester Academy. John attended Duke University, where he continued to play basketball and earned a BA in History and a Master's in Divinity.

After his ordination, John served as the Pastor at two churches in North Carolina before settling down in the Syracuse, NY area, where he led the congregation at Bayberry UCC church in Liverpool, NY for 8 years. In 1980, John joined Syracuse University as a Development Officer (Fund Raiser) and quickly became head of the Development Office. John spent the last 8 years based at Lubin House in NYC, where he became Executive Director of University Relations, overseeing all NYC Alumni activities and continuing to raise money. John also enjoyed refereeing college football games, golfing, camping, and traveling.

John retired in 2000 to Falmouth, MA (Cape Cod) and spent many wonderful years enjoying his Boston Whaler, fishing, digging clams, and lobstering. John was also an avid golfer, woodworker, and builder/fixer of anything. John began spending winters in The Villages, FL, and moved there full-time in 2012. At The Villages, John loved playing golf, building furniture in the woodworking shop, and spending time with his Sullivan Villas friends.

John was predeceased by his parents, Mary Stringfield and John C Allen II, and his first wife, Shirley (Heiden) Ruby. He leaves behind his wife, Mildred (Eidt) Allen; his brother Tom Allen; his children, Tina Allen-Lynch (Joe), Jack Allen (Jodie), David Allen (Tammy); his stepchildren, Steven Gess, David Gess (Susan), Karen Halle; and 12 grandchildren.

A service honoring the life and legacy of John C. Allen III will take place at United Church of Christ at The Villages, 12514 CR 101, Oxford, Florida 34484, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held following the service, providing an opportunity for family and friends to celebrate John's remarkable life and the love he shared with so many.

As we say goodbye, we remember John not with sorrow but with gratitude—for the laughter he shared, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so abundantly. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. John's faith guided him throughout his life and brings comfort now to those he leaves behind. May he rest in eternal peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him, and held forever in God's embrace.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in John's memory, honoring his strength, courage, and hope for a cure. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014