SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY & SOUTH HADLEY: Allan L. Simpson, 90, joined wife and soulmate, Marilyn (Green) Simpson on February 25th with family by his side. Marilyn passed on September 15th, 2003. Allan’s passing, due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease, was unexpected.
He was a former resident of South Hadley and Chesterfield, MA and was South Hadley District 2’s Fire Chief for many years. He was held in high regard within the community. Allan is survived by his two daughters, Wendy Simpson, with whom he lived in Greenfield Center, NY, and Beth Kenney and her husband, David of Easthampton, and a precious devoted grandson, Drew Simpson-Purington of Holyoke.
He is also survived by “kid” brother Robert Simpson of Simpson Signs in Holyoke, cousins, nieces, nephews and numerous friends and colleagues. Those friends include the many “adopted daughters” he collected among Beth and Wendy’s friends, and other children he adopted along the way. Son of Lester and Eugenia Simpson, Allan had a warm smile and quick wit which quickly endeared him to people wherever he went.
He was always responsive to the needs of others. A great story teller, his often repeated tales were enjoyed by all. He was a 1946 graduate of Holyoke High School, and also attended Holyoke Junior College.
Allan was a Safety Engineer with Aetna Life and Casualty for over thirty years, and an accomplished finish carpenter. He was also a “car guy”. His Uncle George operated Simpson’s Garage in Holyoke, and as a teen he worked with George and Lester to learn auto repair.
Allan was a proud member of the Civil Air Patrol as a young teen. His passion to be a pilot drew him to the Marines at 17. He became an airplane mechanic, and served from 1946-1948.
First and foremost, Allan loved his family. He shared a very special bond with his grandson, Drew and all the car guys that came from the Simpson family. Allan loved to attend cruise nights with his brother Bobby, his two daughters and Drew.
Allan was very proud of the compassionate man Drew became, especially as he cared for his father, Timothy Purington the last several years. Allan was a member of the Fire Chief’s Association MA, and a 64-year Master Member of Mount Tom Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Holyoke. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 5th at 11:00 am in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton St., Holyoke.
Burial will be at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery in South Hadley. Calling hours will be held Monday, March 4th from 4-7 p.m. Donations to honor Allan may be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown MD 21741 or The Leary Firefighters Foundation, 5 Hanover Square, Suite 2103, NY, NY 10004.
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