Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I hope that by now most of you have seen my emails or heard my announcement in church that our dear parishioner George Allport died on May 29. His daughter wrote a wonderful obituary about him, and I thought you might all care to read it to discover things we didn’t even know about his adventurous, service-filled and loving life….
Taps sounded for the last time for Colonel George H. Allport II on May 29, 2024, who passed away at the age of 81 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Born on January 16,1943, in Hastings, Pennsylvania. George lived his life grounded by his deep commitment to his family, unwavering sense of service to country and community, and his faith. He was the beloved son of the late George H. Allport Sr. and Dorothy (Dahlin) Allport. While George’s journey began and ended in Pennsylvania, his life took him to three continents and all over the United States where he touched the lives of many and made the world a better place.
George is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Connie (Garcis) Allport, and their cherished three children: daughter, Dorothy Rose Allport and her husband Gary Yannaccone; sons George H. Allport III and his wife Nancy, the Rev Dr. William Allport II and his wife Carrie, and Javier Palazuelos and his wife Clara. His legacy continues through his adored grandchildren: William Hatfield, Noah Hicks, Abigail Allport, Tygue Allport, Dahlin Allport, Maggie Allport, Christopher DeHaven, Alexa Allport, Maria Clara Palazuelos, and Isabella Palazuelos, as well as his great- grandchildren, Zia Hicks and Stella Hicks. George is also remembered by his sister, Dr. Susan Allport Schneider and his nephew Walter G.M. Schneider.
Open and embracing of new ideas and people, George met you where you were and lent his unique perspective and grace to any situation. Work was his vehicle for his faith and commitment to service. An alumnus of Lehigh University, George earned his undergraduate degree before pursuing his Masters at the University of Texas. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a distinguished military career, culminating in his retirement as a colonel at the Army War College. Following his
military service, George continued to apply his expertise as a consultant for Keystone Precision Solutions. To these organizations, he was quite a presence that was thoughtful in his leadership. In whatever was needed, George provided a profound sense of caring that was felt by anyone who had the opportunity to work with him.
George’s commitment to his faith and community was evident through his active leadership at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Emmaus. He was also a proud member of Bethlehem Lodge 283 Masonic Temple and a Son of the American Revolution. These affiliations reflected his dedication to service and fellowship.
Above all, George cherished the time spent with family. For George, Connie was his beloved. After 57 years of marriage, if you asked him how his day was, he would say, “Everyday is a good day because I spent it with Connie.” They were in love and that relationship was the supporting structure to how
George moved throughout the world.
George looked for the connection between people. George and Connie’s home was a gathering place wherever they were. The “long table” at the Allport’s was a place where people laughed, shared stories, reconnected, found friendship, agreed or disagreed, ate a great meal, and were nurtured.
By many, he will be remembered as “Dad Allport.” His presence was a source of strength and joy, and his memory will be held dear in the hearts of those who knew him.
Within the Allport family lore are pictures and stories spanning 60 years of adventures. Those adventures included a trek from Austin,Texas to Argentina in a Winnebago with a dog, two toddlers, and Connie; sitting at edge of Iguazu Falls for pictures; living in an Airstream trailer for 3 months with 3 children, two adults, and dog. That was just a few that are part of George’s parenting years. The second half has been filled with travel to Hawaii, Texas, and countless sporting events and concerts to support and cheer on his grandchildren. In recent years, George would be a self described “active grandparent,” finding opportunities to create rich and deep relationships with his grandchildren. As a family, the Allports started out as George, Connie, Dottie Rose, Georgie, and Bill; it has expanded with overflowing abundance of love to include spouses, grandchildren, and “Chosen Family.”
Colonel George H. Allport lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy of love and service that will be remembered and honored by all.
He would say to us now…
Adelante, siempre adelante. (Forward, always forward.)
Written by his beloved daughter and eldest, Dorothy Rose Allport
May 2024
JOY!
Mo. Laura+
Coming Up
- June 9, RaiseRight Gift card orders due to Janice (Blessing of food donated to Groceries Plus Food Pantry)
- June 15, Juneteenth Celebration, 11:30 at St. Barnabas in Kutztown
- Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00