Rabbi Allan Lyle Press, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and spiritual leader, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, in Leander, Texas, at the age of 86.

Born on July 6, 1939, in New York City, Allan dedicated his life to faith, family, and service to others. He attended Rabbi Jacob Joseph Yeshiva on the Lower East Side of New York City from elementary school through high school and seminary, ultimately receiving rabbinic ordination and embarking on a lifelong calling in the rabbinate.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Rabbi Press served congregations in Shamokin, Pennsylvania; Utica, New York; New Brunswick, New Jersey; Gloversville, New York; Mahopac, New York; Haverhill, Massachusetts; and Quincy, Massachusetts. In addition to his congregational leadership, he served as a hospice chaplain in Haverhill, providing comfort, compassion, and spiritual support to individuals and families during life’s most difficult moments. He also devoted himself to marriage counseling and officiated countless wedding ceremonies, helping couples begin their lives together with wisdom, care, and faith.

Allan will be remembered for his gentle, abiding presence, his infectious laughter, and his unwavering belief in the value and dignity of every human being. His unconditional compassion extended to everyone he encountered, regardless of background or circumstance.

Family was the heart of Allan’s life. He shared a loving and devoted marriage with his beloved wife of 62 years, Julianne Cohen Press. Together they built a life grounded in faith, friendship, laughter, and steadfast love. He is also survived by his children, Shifra Kauffmann and her husband, Scott Kauffmann; Tova JohnPress and her husband, Timothy JohnPress; and Ari Press and his wife, Dawn Baniewicz Press; and by his cherished grandchildren, Evan Michael Kauffmann, Amelia Grace Kauffmann, Aliyah Julia JohnPress, and Lily Marie Press. He is also survived by his sister, Marcia Kulick and her husband, Dr. Steve Kulick, and their children, David Kulick, Dale Kulick, Alexis Kulick, and Alexandra Kulick. He was the loving son of Morris Press and Debbie Press.

Outside of his rabbinic duties, Allan loved music, enjoyed playing racquetball, and treasured Sunday brunches with his wife. These simple pleasures reflected his appreciation for life’s everyday joys and the people with whom he shared them.

One of Allan’s most meaningful personal missions was his participation in the “You Matter” movement. Wherever he went—the grocery store, the post office, restaurants, and countless other places—he handed out “You Matter” cards to strangers. These simple acts of kindness often moved people deeply and reflected Allan’s gift for making people feel seen, accepted, and loved. Few teachings better captured the essence of who he was than this message he shared so freely with the world.

A funeral service celebrating Allan’s life will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 12:00 pm at the Rodphey Sholom Synagogue Cemetery in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Burial will take place immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Holocaust Museum, honoring Allan’s lifelong commitment to remembrance and the dignity of all people at https://www.ushmm.org/support/ways-to-give/donate.

Rabbi Allan Press leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, laughter, and love. His family, friends, congregants, and all those fortunate enough to know him will remember a man who devoted his life to lifting others up and reminding them of their worth. His message was simple, powerful, and enduring:

You Matter.