David Lawrence Allen

David Lawrence Allen passed away peacefully at his home in Wolcott on October 10th, 2024. He was born July 14th, 1943 to Robert and Imelda Allen (Gendron) in Mansfield Connecticut. The family soon moved to begin their farm in Northern Vermont. 

Growing up in the small town of Wolcott, Dave, his four siblings, and parents worked the land, raised a dairy herd, tended a sugarbush, and altogether lived the quintessential Vermont farm life. He attended the one-room schoolhouse near their home and later began his studies at Peoples Academy in Morrisville. After his father, Robert, fell ill, Dave was forced to leave school and dedicated himself to helping out on the farm. 

Dave’s first moments away from Vermont came when he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged, he continued to serve his country in the Vermont National Guard for the next seven years. During this time Dave wore many hats; he continued to work on the farm, cut Christmas trees, logged, and worked as a mechanic at Wards, Inc in Morrisville. His experience fixing equipment led Dave to his true calling, beginning his career as an equipment operator with SG Phillips Construction. Later working with Kingsbury Construction, Dave spent decades behind the controls of excavators on sites from Maine to New York. Many revered him as the best equipment operator around, moving large machinery with the grace of an artist. After the construction season wrapped up, Dave spent his winters logging with Bob Smith in the forests of Vermont. 

After deciding to retire at 76, Dave took some time to relax. He loved nothing more than running the roads with his dog Remi at his side, visiting Wolcott Pond, chatting with old friends, and occasionally taking over the controls of the excavator to show his son Adam how it's done. 

A common thread throughout Dave’s life was his love for the outdoors. Whether he was hunting, fishing, trapping, or taking a ride on his snowmobile, or even the occasional hike, he loved Vermont’s nature. He enjoyed sharing these favorite hobbies with his sons. 

David is survived by his wife Wendy Allen (Gutzmann), four sons Matthew, Adam, Clint, and Scott Allen, Sister Linda Reeve (Allen), Brothers Charlie and John Allen, Grandchildren Curtis Allen, Brian Maynard, and Alisha Allen. He is predeceased by his father Robert Allen, mother Imelda Allen (Gendron), Brothers Bradley and Robert Allen Jr., son Dean Allen, and previous wife Gloria Chainay.

A graveside service will be held at Fairmount Cemetery in Wolcott, Vermont on Saturday, October 19th at 11:30 a.m.. Following the service, a celebration of Dave’s life will be held at American Legion Post 7 in Hardwick, Vermont. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Dave’s name be made payable to the American Legion Post 7 in Hardwick.  

Arrangements are with the des Groseilliers Funeral Home in Hardwick.  Memories and condolences for David may be shared with his family at dgfunerals.com.

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