William A. Allen

William A. Allen (Bill) passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 76 from complications of pneumonia. Bill’s passing will be deeply felt by his family, friends, and former students.

Bill is survived by his wife, Katrina Allen, their children, Arthur and Elizabeth Allen, and his brother, Douglas (Karen) Allen.

Born on December 9, 1949, to Arthur and Ruth Allen, Bill was a lifelong resident of Homer, NY.

Bill was a 1968 graduate of Homer High School and earned his teaching degrees at the University of Northern Colorado in 1972 and later a Master’s degree from Excelsior College in 2006. Bill returned to his alma mater, where he taught English and was an integral part of the theatre department, serving as the technical director and, later, director and advisor of the Homer Thespian and Shakespearean Societies until his retirement in 2005. During his tenure, he was nominated for New York State Teacher of the Year and was an award-winning director.

In his years of teaching at Homer High School, Bill found fulfillment and enjoyment in sharing his love of literature, particularly Shakespeare, with countless students. He spent untold hours in rehearsals and performances, beginning in his student days through to his retirement. From stepping into the role of Hamlet as an understudy to his final show as a director in 2001, Bill instilled confidence and a love for the craft in his peers and, eventually, in the cast and crews of dozens of shows. Bill was also an award-winning playwright. His lifelong impact and influence on his former students will be part of his legacy.

In addition to the theatre, Bill was passionate about being a father of twins, sailing, and driving his Miata and motorcycle.

Bill’s life was defined by his dedication to his wife and children, his creative service to his hometown, and his ongoing artistic vision. His values will live on through the countless lives he touched and the spirit of storytelling he instilled in all those he knew.

A celebration of life will be held at the Homer Congregational Church on March 14 at 11AM.

The family requests that donations be made in Bill’s name to the Phillips Free Library in Homer, NY, or Hospice of CNY, Liverpool, NY.