Robert Bayette Allen

Robert Bayette Allen, 91, of Syracuse, New York, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 11, 2016 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center following a brief illness. A native and life resident of the Syracuse area, he was the only child of Harry Bayette and Dorothy Horsburgh Allen and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Allen (Deputy Chief Engineer for the City of Syracuse) Robert proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Houston and the USS Fremont as a Bosun's mate in the Pacific during WWII. He was a member of the American Legion Post 41. He attended annuial reunions with the USS Fremont with his wife Betty and daughter, Cindy spanning from the Grand Canyon, St. Louis Arch to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. Mr. Allen was a well-respected Boy Scout Leader of Hiawatha Council Troop 27 at Edward Smith School for 27 years. He was instrumental in raising 27 boys to the rank of Eagle Scout including his two sons and five grandchildren. He enjoyed taking the troop summer camping at Sabattis Scout Reservation as well as winter survival training in the Adirondacks They also attended many local and national Jamborees. He was Woodbadge trained, a recipient of the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award, and was affectionately known as Old Goat #2. He and his late wife, Betty celebrated 50 years together. For more than 20 years he and Betty camped at Lebanon Valley Campground and provided numerous activities for families including the yearly “Christmas in August.” The Allen family camped and traveled together through the years and often included neighborhood kids and friends. He retired from the Syracuse Post Standard and previously worked for Crouse Hinds Company and Harris Roofing all of which along with his more than 60 years of employment at Drumlins Country Club. He was the “Unofficial Mayor” of Ackerman Ave., keeping the SU students in line and reminding them to behave like good neighbors. He was an avid SU fan (GO ORANGE ! ), having limited sight he listened to the games including the devastating loss to Pitt this past week. Surviving are his seven children: Beth Boardman Hubert (Norbert,dec), Richard (Maurice) Boardman, Cherie Boardman, Bonnie Allen, Dorothy (Keith) Gilmer and Cynthia Allen, and Scott (Diane) Allen; 15 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by a special cousin, Don Fritch of Colorado. Services will be 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, Syracuse, New York. Burial will be in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home, 4612 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, New York. The family would like to thank the staff at the Veterans Medical Center for their excellent and compassionate care for Mr. Robert Allen and his family during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Veterans Medical Center of a Veterans group of ones choice in his honor.

Robert Bayette Allen

March 4, 1925 - March 11, 2016