John Jerome Allen (Pantola), 96, a member of the greatest generation, passed away into the hands of the Lord on January 5, 2018. He was born in Utica, NY, the son of Frank and Caroline Pantola. He remained a lifelong member of Utica until his death. On June 29th, 1946, he was joined in a union of love and dedication to Genevieve Lupa, R.N. at Holy Trinity Church. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps and helped to build many landmarks around the city including Addison Miller playground and pool in West Utica. He was a United States Army Air Corps Veteran of WWII and was deployed to Italy. John was later employed by Chicago Pneumatic. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Utica, where he was an usher and volunteered at numerous church functions, including the annual parish bazaar. John was a member of the VFW Post 10686, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the Knights of St. John’s. He enjoyed fixing cars and “tinkering” at American Dreams Auto. John enjoyed gardening and spending time with his Golden Retriever, Roscoe. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors and animals held a special place in his heart. John is survived by his four children, Mrs. Sheila (Stan) Swiderek, Mrs. Kristina (Walter) Bozek, Mrs. Suzann (Terence) Holden, and Mr. Jeffrey (Michelle) Allen, eight grandchildren, Dr. Melanie (Jay) Howard, Dr. Walter (Jennifer) Bozek, Michael Swiderek, Jennifer (Matt) Bachtel, Lisa (James) Kaplewicz, Daniel (Sarah) Bozek, Hillary Holden, and Terence (Katie) Holden, six great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Bachtel, Trevor Kaplewicz, Tyler Bachtel, Isabella Kaplewicz, Allison Bachtel, and Lucy Bozek, three sisters, Jane Blasczak, Charlotte Cotter and Rita Milewski and a brother, Frank Pantola. John was predeceased by his wife on January 13, 2017 and a granddaughter, Pamela Jean Swiderek. Mr. Allen's funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 9:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 10:00 from the Church of the Sacred Heart and St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa, New York Mills. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Tuesday from 4-8. Those so wishing may make donations to the Wounded Warriors or the Herkimer County Humane Society. The family would like to thank the staff of Barton West of the St. Luke's Home for all the loving care given to John.