Allen A. Lynch

Allen A. Lynch, 91, of Camillus, died Sunday, March 18, 2012 at Upstate University Hospital at Community General. Born in Syracuse on April 16, 1920, Allen happily resided in Camillus since 1962. He was the devoted husband of his one true love, Elizabeth Smith Lynch, to whom he was married for 43 years and whom he lost in this life in 1988; an exceptional father to his daughter and son; and a loving patriarch to his six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Allen graduated from Vocational High School and attended Syracuse University. Growing up on Sabine Street, the son of Peter J. Smith and Myrza A. Allen, he was an enthusiastic Boy Scout and avid baseball player with the Syracuse Shamrocks, earning himself a tryout with the Cincinnati Reds. Many happy summers were spent with cousins in Seneca Falls and on the beloved Cayuga Lake farm that he would one day inherit and restore to productivity. In 1942, Allen joined Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation where he distinguished himself over a 43-year career. Hired as a mail clerk, he rose to become the company’s director of economic development. Allen was instrumental in bringing manufacturing plants and housing to NY, and promoting urban renewal throughout NY. He served in many community positions, including on the boards of the Better Business Bureau of Syracuse and the Syracuse Community Housing Development Corporation, and was appointed to the Appalachia Area Development Committee. In his position as director of area development, his team at Niagara Mohawk was recognized by the Public Relations Society of America as a three-time winner of its prestigious Silver Anvil Award for excellence in community relations programs. A career highlight was receiving the Edison Electric Institute award on behalf of the company for his team’s distinguished contribution to the development of the electric power industry. Allen later chaired the institute’s annual meeting. He was a speaker at conferences throughout the country and published several articles in the field of community development. Allen was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution for over 60 years, and the Niagara Mohawk 25-Year Club. He was a devout communicant of St. Joseph's Church. Surviving are his daughter and son-on-law, Lorraine and Jack Donohue of Brewerton, son and daughter-in-law, Allen A. and Joanne Lynch II of Wenham, Massachusetts; and beloved family friend, Steve Whalen (Jean) of DeRuyter, NY; grandchildren, Autumn (Mark) Szlamczynski, Elisha (Judah) Connor, Amanda Donohue, Rebecca Donohue, Alexis Lynch and Ryan Lynch; and great-grandchildren, Jack, Brady and Blake Connor. Relatives and friends may call Wednesday, March 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, March, 22 at 9:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church in Camillus. Allen will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208.