[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 30, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING JOHN MONTY ``JACK'' ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 30, 2016

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
life of John Monty ``Jack'' Allen, who passed away on September 11, 
2016. Jack was a wonderful friend and beloved member of our community 
whose passing is deeply felt. I have known Jack for all his life, and 
he will be greatly missed.
  John Monty ``Jack'' Allen was born in 1946, the eldest of two 
children. Although an avid traveler, Jack lived his entire life in San 
Jose, California. Jack's family, the Aiellos, settled in Santa Clara 
Valley in Delight, Contadina Canning Company. Jack's father, Pete, 
owned a furniture store in Downtown San Jose for more than 50 years, 
was one of the founders of the Century Club, and was a mentor to me. 
His uncle, Jack, owned Paolo's Restaurant, a popular destination for 
local celebrities, including Joe DiMaggio and many elected officials. 
In fact, my husband, John, proposed to me at Paolo's.
  Jack attended Trace Elementary, Hoover Junior High, and Lincoln High 
Schools, all within walking distance of his family home. He was 
indoctrinated into local politics from a very young age through his 
parents' involvement with the Democratic Party, and he volunteered for 
Democratic candidates and causes throughout his life.
  Jack graduated from San Jose State University and became a Certified 
Public Accountant, a role that he held for the last forty years of his 
life. At any time, he served more than 400 clients, from small 
businesses to family members to corporations and trusts. He was known 
by all as a generous, efficient, and dedicated accountant, as evidenced 
by the loyalty of his clients.
  Jack married Janice Paul in 1974, and they settled in the Willow Glen 
neighborhood of San Jose in 1976, raising three boys--all of whom 
attended local schools and shared Jack's passion for politics and 
history.
  Jack was a curious and well-traveled soul, having crisscrossed Europe 
on a number of occasions, not to mention extensive domestic travels 
that took him to nearly all 50 states. His wife, Janice, was his 
favorite travel companion, even after their divorce. (Indeed, they had 
trips in the works at the time of his sudden passing.)
  Jack was also dedicated to serving others and volunteered his time as 
treasurer and board member for local clubs and charities, from the San 
Jose Library Foundation to the Democratic Century Club and many more. 
He could always be counted on to be there for a friend--or a total 
stranger--in need and would never hesitate to help those who could not 
help themselves.
  For all of this, Jack never sought fanfare, nor acclaim. His reward 
was the action itself and the knowledge that he made his corner of the 
world a little brighter for having been there.
  He is survived by sons Peter, Chris, and Danny; their mother, Janice; 
sister, Judy; nieces Corinne and Tina; cousins Carolyn, Jenny, and 
John; dog, Cooper; and countless friends.
  Mr. Speaker, our San Jose community mourns the passing of Jack Allen, 
but we are grateful for his life, his generosity, and his 
contributions.

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