Rufus Allen

HIRAM — Rufus “Harold” Allen, 86, of Hiram died peacefully on July 4, 2013 with loving family by his side at Springbrook Center in Westbrook.

He was born in Limerick on July 10, 1926, a son of Rufus Howard and Alice (Bell) Allen and was educated in Limerick schools. He proudly served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during World War II, and was honorably discharged in May of 1945. He married Virginia Vigue on July 25, 1946.

Harold was always a hard worker. He took great pride in everything he did, and was admired for his work ethic, yet always remained a very humble man. As a young man, he worked for the Pike family at Highland Farms in Cornish for 12 years. He later worked for 16 years at Limerick Footwear until its closing and then for a while longer at Duchess Shoe in South Berwick. Harold finished his career working for SAD 55 for over 13 years as a bus driver and as a custodian at several schools in the district, including Sacopee Valley High School.

Harold enjoyed vegetable gardening and loved going fishing. He especially enjoyed taking his daughter, grandchildren and other family members fishing. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and good friend, who will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was predeceased by a brother, Rodney Allen.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 66 years, Virginia Allen of Hiram; his daughter, Barbara Thompson of Hiram; his grandson and three great-grandchildren, all of Standish; a granddaughter and two great-grandchildren, all of Cornish; his sister, Doreen Allen of Limerick; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 13, at 11 a.m. at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Hiram. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wnyfuneralhome.com