Pawcatuck — Allen Longendyke of Pawcatuck passed away Monday, June 5, 2023, after a long illness. He was 71. Allen was born in Hackensack, N.J., and spent his childhood and teen years in Averill Park, N.Y.

A position as manager of employee relations at Foxwoods landed him in Southeastern Connecticut in the early 1980s. He and his devoted wife Robin have called this area home since.

Allen’s career included roles of high-level administration in higher education and employee relations where his unending commitment to help others through advocacy, program development and support flourished. Allen was one of the founding members of Fiddleheads Food Co-op in New London, where he volunteered hundreds of hours of labor, knowledge and passion before taking on the role of official cheesemonger.

Allen will be fondly remembered for his intellect, his dry wit, his love of language, his love of music and his generous heart.

Allen was predeceased by his parents, Stewart and Helen Longendyke of Averill Park, N.Y. He is survived by his loving wife Robin Dana.

Calling hours will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11, at the Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1, Mystic, followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southern Poverty Law Center, Doctors without Borders or Habitat for Humanity.