It is with profound sadness that we share with you that Eric Allen passed away at home on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
Eric Paul Allen was born on January 31, 1969, in Elmira, NY. He was the son of the late Gordon Paul Allen and Alice (Bunny) Frost Allen. His family moved to Vestal, NY, in 1970, where the family home remains. Eric is survived by beloved relatives: his wife, Margaret (Peggy) Johnson, daughter Amelia May Allen, mother, Alice Allen, brother Peter (Samie) Allen, sister Heidi Allen (Kim Capwell), niece and nephew Mackenzie and Brady Allen, Aunt Becky Allen, several cousins, and many, many friends.
Eric graduated from Vestal High School in 1987, where he was heavily involved in lacrosse, football, and scouting clubs, and attained Eagle Scout status. He then went on to Corning Community College (class of 1989) where he was a standout lacrosse defenseman and team captain, and ultimately received his bachelors in mathematics from Cortland State University in 1991.
In the summer of 1969, Eric and the Allen family (and later Peggy and Amelia) discovered the wonderful community of Cape Cod Village in Cummaquid, Massachusetts, where they made an annual pilgrimage each summer. There, the family made many lifelong friends. The place and people there have always been close to his heart.
Until his last day, Eric lived a life full of adventure, purpose, compassion, and humor. He had many friends, and loved them wholeheartedly. After spending two years on a personal odyssey traveling around the U.S., hitchhiking, taking odd jobs, and meeting countless new friends, he moved to Warren, Vermont, at the suggestion of his best friend Corbett Monica. There, the two spent their time working around the Mad River Valley and having the time of their lives skiing, hiking, and “living on the edge” with shenanigans galore.
After working jobs at the Bass Tavern and The Warren Store bakery, Eric began at American Flatbread, where he met many, many friends and a girlfriend, Priscilla. The two traveled across the country, and after returning from their magnificent trip, each went back to work. In the summer of 1995, driving home from bringing Priscilla to work, Eric had a tragic accident and hit a tree. He suffered multiple severe injuries and a traumatic brain injury. Eric was comatose for three months, during which time his family, and his American Flatbread family, visited him regularly and provided daily visits and care. After leaving the hospital, Eric was drawn to stay in Mad River Valley, and even with significant disabilities, he managed to live independently.
Eric began dating his friend Margaret (Peggy) Johnson, and on January 8, 2000, the two married. On March 14, 2002, they became parents to Amelia May Allen. She was Eric's muse; his spirit guide, and best “Little Buddy.”
He was satisfied with his time at home, working out in his home gym; push-mowing or raking or snow shoveling around the house (one-handed!) depending upon the season; calling friends to make a lunch date, or to tell a story. Storytelling was Eric's favorite pastime, and while his tales were fantastic and wild, they were indeed true reflections – most of them from his time on the road. He rarely met someone who could best him at recounting fantastical experiences.
Calling hours will be held at Perkins-Parker Funeral Home in Waterbury, Friday November 21, from 4-8 p.m. A celebration of life will be announced in the spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mad River Valley Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 305, Waitsfield VT 05673, or Free Wheelin’ ride service, P.O. Box 132, Waitsfield, VT 05673.
Eric is already missed beyond measure, but we know he is somewhere, still close, deep in thought, telling a story, and sporting that wide, sweet smile.
