Allen G. Zippin, 84 passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Baystate

Medical Center on Monday, March 2nd. He was the husband of Barbara (Zeller) Zippin

with whom he shared 63 years of marriage..

He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, the son of Ida and Joseph Zippin. He

graduated from Classical High School in 1958 and went on to attend AIC. He then

pursued his Masters Degree from Westfield State University. Over the years he

touched the lives of so many, especially children, while beginning his career as a 7th

grade English teacher at Forest Park Junior High School in 1962. He then became a

guidance counselor where he spent several years at Putnam High School. From there

he went on to be Principle and Education Director of the Children's Study Home where

he spent the majority of his career. From 1968 to 1983 he was the most favorite

summer camp director at Camp Joseph and then at Camp Naomi where he left life-long

memories for so many children and young adults. Aside from time with his family, these

were some of the best memories of his life.

He was a member and Past Master of Samuel D. Sherwood Masonic Lodge where he

was honored as a 33rd degree Mason. He was also District Deputy Grand Master. He

was incredibly proud to be a member of the Shriners at Melha Temple where he rose to

be the Potentate in 1983. "Children, our noble activity" was his theme for the year he

was Potentate. As part of his love for the Shriner's and the smiling faces of children of

all ages, he was the Circus Chairman for the Melha Shrine Circus for close to 2

decades. He was also instrumental in the construction of the Shriner's Hospital for

Children in Springfield. He was a member of Beth El Temple and the Jewish

Community Center where he played basketball and racquetball for more than 50 years.

In recognition of his exceptional dedication to the region, he received the distinguished

William Pynchon Award in 2007 by the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts. He

will be remembered for never seeing a microphone he didn't like, greeting anyone who

would listen with a joke and an everlasting love for family.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara and his 2 sons Brian (Lisa) and Mark (Leah). He

also leaves 7 grandchildren (Kyle, Alex, Tamara, Gabe, Alexa, Jared and Matthew). He

will be missed by Jaycee who was always by his side. He leaves a sister, Sandi

Bothwick and a nephew, Lee Bothwick and his family all of California. He also leaves

cousins, friends and associates where he will forever be missed.

The funeral will be held at Temple Beth El at 979 Dickinson St, Springfield, Ma. on

Friday, March 6th at 1 pm with burial to follow.

Donations can be made to:

The Joseph and Ida Zippin Fund

at the Springfield Jewish Community Center

1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA 01108.