Gary Robert Allen

Gary Robert Allen, 66, passed away Friday, March 6th after a courageous five year battle with brain cancer. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Frankie, sons Eric and Jason, daughters-in-law Debbi and Ginger, six grandchildren, brothers Terry and Larry, and sisters-in-law Cathy and Deana. Gary was born September 17, 1948 in Wellsville, New York, to Vern and Barbara Allen. He grew up in Wellsville and was a star, three-sport athlete in basketball, football, and baseball. He went on to graduate from the State University of New York (SUNY) - Albany in 1970. Subsequently, he returned to his hometown and embarked on what would become a 30-year career in banking. He began his career as a loan officer with Citizens National Bank in Wellsville and steadily rose through the ranks, culminating with his ascension to the position of Chairman, President and CEO of Key Bank, one of the largest banks in the country. He was named a distinguished alumni of both SUNY-Albany and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Gary retired from Key Bank in 1998 and moved to Colleton River Plantation in Bluffton, where he resided for 16 years with his loving wife and best friend Frankie. Gary loved life and had many varied interests. Before the onset of his illness, he traveled extensively with his family and friends, particularly enjoying several trips to Mexico, Aruba, and Italy. An avid golfer, he frequently played and engaged in spirited trash talk with his friends in the "mash group" at Colleton River. He loved sports, especially football, and while he was able to travel would fly back to New York with his sons every year to attend a game in person and watch his beloved Buffalo Bills. Most of all, Gary loved his family. He took daily walks with Frankie, the love of his life, and attended soccer, football, and basketball games, track meets, recitals, spelling bees, dance competitions, and band concerts to watch his grandchildren whom he adored: Zachary, Jack, Allie, Robby, Jimmy, and Liza. He was so proud of them and relished in reciting their achievements. They were fortunate to spend many birthdays, Christmases, Thanksgivings, and graduations with their beloved "Granddad", and they will miss him dearly. Gary dealt with cancer as he did with most challenges in life. While, brave, determined and resolute, he never lost his sense of humor and continued to make family, friends, and caregivers laugh throughout his long bout with cancer. Gary drew strength from his 16 year old granddaughter Allie, who is herself battling brain cancer. He often called Allie his "hero" and was careful to never complain because, he said, she had a much more difficult journey. He also was a man of great faith and regularly attended the Presbyterian Church in Estill, SC and the Church of the Cross in Bluffton. A memorial service will be held in Gary's honor Monday, March 9th at the Church of the Cross at 110 Calhoun Street in Bluffton, SC at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the Allen family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. A memorial service will be held in Garyâ