Obituary of Joseph Aubrey Allen
Joseph "Jay" Aubrey Allen, a loving husband and father, passed away on October 14, 2021. He was born on December 8, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois and was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph J. Allen, Audrey Zanco Baker; and stepfather, Vincent J. Zanco. He is survived by his loving husband of 32 years, Kenneth W. Long of Houston. He leaves behind his beautiful daughter, Jessica Long, and his brother, Scott Allen.
Jay graduated from high school in Olympia Fields, Illinois and attended the University of Houston. After college, Jay became a very successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and an active member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Jay was passionately involved in the gay community serving as the Grand Marshall for gay pride and former president of the Bar Owners Association of Texas. Jay’s outdoor loves were gardening, boating, and traveling. Above all else, Jay’s greatest accomplishment was raising his daughter to be the wonderful woman she is.
Jay, you touched so many lives with your great sense of humor and deep compassion for others. You cannot imagine the impact you had on each and every one of us. These are the some of the reasons why Kathy Whitmire, former mayor of Houston, declared December 8th, Jay Allen Day. Your presence will be greatly missed.
A memorial service to remember Jay’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 20th at 11:30 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell St., Houston, Texas 77007. A reception will follow in the St. Theresa’s Community Center.
The family suggests sending memorial contributions to Legacy Community Health.