Obituary: Jan Thomas Allen

Portland, Maine — Jan Thomas Allen, a familiar face to generations of Portland students and athletes, died Thursday, July 30, 2026. He was 76.

Born Oct. 14, 1949 in Portland, Allen grew up in the Libby Town neighborhood and attended city schools, graduating from Portland High School. He continued his education at the University of Maine’s Portland campus, where he earned his degree. Early on he delivered newspapers and, while attending college, worked for Hoods, delivering milk—an early taste of the work ethic that would define his life.

After graduation, Allen returned to his alma mater as an assistant athletic trainer. In that role he worked closely with the school’s sports teams, a position he described as a “dream job” because it let him combine his love of athletics with his desire to mentor young people. Over the years, he became a fixture around the school, not only on the playing fields but also in the classroom. He served as a substitute teacher at Portland High School for more than four decades, filling in across subjects and always ready with a encouraging word for students who crossed his path.

Allen’s passion extended well beyond the school walls. He was an avid runner throughout adulthood, often spotted logging miles through the city’s neighborhoods. Former students recall seeing him on their morning jogs and being greeted by his familiar wave—a small gesture that underscored his reputation as a community pillar who never forgot a face.

“Jan had a way of making everyone feel seen,” said a longtime colleague who asked not to be identified. “Whether it was on the track or in the hallway, his presence was warm and steady.”

Allen’s personal life was marked by deep family ties. He was preceded in death by his wife, Faye Allen, in 2021, and by his brothers, David and Robert. He is survived by a large extended family, including siblings Paul (Simone), Vincent, Katherine (John Bruni), Maureen (George Vercelli) and Donna (Dennis Pyper), as well as numerous nieces and nephews who remember him as a supportive and joyous presence at family gatherings.

Friends and community members are invited to pay their respects at a visitation on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, located at 199 Woodford St., Portland. A later date will be announced for a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be held at a time convenient for the family. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

Those seeking additional information, including the online guestbook, may visit the funeral home’s website at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.

Allen’s legacy endures in the countless students and athletes whose lives he touched, and in the everyday moments—on the track, in the hallway, or on the streets of Portland—where his spirit continues to be felt.