Fred Albert Allegro

Fred Albert Allegro, a man whose career in sales began at the tender age of seven with selling strawberries by the road in Amity PA, passed away on June 13, 2026, in Debary, Florida. Born on March 30, 1946, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Fred’s life was a vibrant journey marked by wit, energy, and a knack for keeping everyone around him laughing—even if he never quite mastered the art of telling a joke.

Fred’s professional journey was as diverse as it was impressive. After graduating from Mid-Florida Technical Institute in 1965 with a degree in Drafting—a skill he put to good use at Sperry Rand Corporation in Gainesville, Florida—he returned to deliver the commencement address in the 1980s. His sales career took him to the Miracle Maid Cookware Division in West bend Company in 1968, where he traveled extensively, opening new territories in numerous states and organizing conventions. After a successful career with West Bend, he returned to Florida, starting a new career selling limited partnerships for Cardinal industries, and during this time he established his own company American Wire and Terminal serving Central Florida.

Fred married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane Holben, at the iconic Bok Tower in Lake Wales, Florida, in 1965. Their enduring partnership was a testament to their love, and their lifelong friendship. He and Mary Jane celebrated their 61st anniversary just prior to his passing. He maintained lifelong friendships with his best man Larry Sumner and Bill Issitt. The three of them had many high school escapades.

An Eagle Boy Scout and an avid traveler, Fred embraced cultures far and wide, along with camping and fishing trips that often blurred the lines between adventure and family bonding time. His wife, Mary Jane Allegro, and their family, including adopted daughter Marcelle Antoinette Zdanciewicz, son-in-law Ronald Harry Zdanciewicz Jr., brother Ronald J. Allegro, sister-in-law Sharon Allegro, sister Denise Marie Allegro, and a veritable host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, celebrate his legacy and infectious energy.

 Fred and his wife shared a deep faith finding fulfillment in expressing their love for God through worship in the Orthodox manner of the Eastern Orthodox Church. He considered it an honor to be Godfather of many. Being aware of his privileged life quietly, often anonymously, he sought to help the homeless, the downtrodden, and those suffering or sick.

Fred was predeceased by his parents, John and Elizabeth Allegro, and his adopted son Christian Holben Allegro.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Fred’s life with a visitation from 12:00 to 1:00pm on June 18, 2026, followed by the funeral service at 1:00pm at St. Stephen the Protomartyr Orthodox Church in Longwood, Florida. The day will continue with burial at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Sanford, Florida, and a Repast back at St. Stephen’s to share a meal, stories, laughter, and perhaps a few jokes he never quite nailed himself but would have loved to hear.

Fred Albert Allegro may have left us, but his energy, humor (intentional or not), and zest for life ensure that he will be remembered fondly for years to come.

Here is a poem that was read to Fred by his beloved wife prior to his passing:

'When I'm gone. Give what's left of me away to children and old folks that wait to die. And if you need to cry, cry for your brother and sister walking the street beside you. And when you need me, put your arms around someone and give them what you need to give to me. I want to leave you something, something better than words or sounds. Look for me in the people I've known and loved. And if you cannot give me away, at least let me live in your eyes and not in your mind. You can love me most by letting hands touch hands, by letting bodies touch bodies, and by letting go of children that need to be free. Love doesn't die, people do. So, when all that's left of me is love, give me away.'

                                                                                                    Memory Eternal

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Fred's favorite charity - St. Francis House of Hospitality

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