Obituary: Allen S. Jennings, Sr., 79, of Stratford

STRATFORD, CT - (From William R. McDonald Funeral Home) A special group of Angels with tears in their eyes came to take Allen S. Jennings home on Friday, January 21, 2022.

Their tears were part joy that they were gaining a man of value and integrity to their home and part tears for the broken hearts that his loved ones were being left with upon loosing this wonderful human being.

Allen had many accomplishments throughout his life and was so proud of everyone of them. Superintendent for Union Cemetery in Stratford CT for 47 years and owning his own Memorial business, Family Memorials were two of his longer feats.

Among other accomplishments were working for the Stratford Police Department as a part-time police office (constable), Volunteer Firemen, Volunteer EMS, Justice of the Peace, security at Bridgeport Jai Alai, his own lawn cutting business, Italian cook, brick layer, and armored truck guard.

His hobbies which extended from his youth were bowling, archery, hunting, golf, camping and a 32nd degree Mason to Shriner, just to mention some.

Allen’s greatest accomplishment of all however, was being a loving, devoted husband to Janet M. Jennings. His loyalty to her and devotion should set an example to all married couples. Another major accomplishment was being a loving father to his children, where each one had a piece of his heart. He advised, loved and engulfed each and everyone whether they were biologically his or not.

If he had only a dollar in his wallet he would offer it to them. With the generations moving on, he always had a big smile when an announcement was made of new grandchildren or great grandchildren. One of his favorite comments to his wife Janet about their 13 children was “where are they all coming from.”

If they had faults, he would still love them and never pushed them away; hoping that while raising them the right way, his children would, upon coming to divided path, that they would know which path to take, the right or wrong and hope for the best.

Allen was always there to help and lend a hand and never expected payment in return. So many people came and went through the Jennings' home and no one ever left hungry or went without a bed to sleep on.

Allen and Janet enjoyed going to the casino, day trips, and vacations until he became sick. Allen had many wonderful stories of his youth growing up in Bridgeport with his siblings and parents. He enjoyed telling his wife and children these stories and requested that they all shared his memories and will be shared onto the offspring.

Allen leaves his beloved wife Janet after 30 years of marriage and their children, Allen Jennings Jr. and his wife Kathy, Doreen Cornell and her fiancé Richie Parker, Dawn Mero and her husband Anson, Brian Jennings, Lia Plaza, Amanda Hatchett and her husband Charlie, Sarah Jennings, Aaron Jennings and his partner Kim Loiacono, Katelyn Jennings, Kimberly Jennings and partner Billy Grasso, Lisa Conte, Adrienne Jennings, Christine Jennings and her partner Adrian Lodygo. Allen was also a proud grandparent to 32 grandchildren and proud great grandfather to 12 great grandchildren.

He also leaves behind his devoted siblings, Seeley Jennings and wife Bernadette, Kevin Jennings and wife Marge, Tami Pocevic, and Marlene Mack and husband Charlie.

Allen was predeceased by his parents A. Seeley Jennings and Isabelle Jennings, a brother Ronald Kowell and his wife Sharon, and a beautiful granddaughter Tricia Jennings and grandson Jimmy Laird.

Allen is also predeceased by his special son-in-law Chuckie Cornell and his special son Joshua Jennings who passed away January 5, 2022.

To have faith, one must endure, and this is what Allen did. He was not a preacher but knew what he believed and embraced it.

Let us hope that this man’s passing was not in vain, that we should all take heed and a lesson learned that a man like Allen is rare and to make a mark like he did with his family and friends should be a lesson to all.

Due to Covid health concerns, a service and appropriate sendoff will take place at a future date.

[NORECIRC]

This article originally appeared on the Stratford Patch