Obituary of Allen W. Masten

Allen Whitney Masten, blessed his parents, Robert Masten and Marjorie (McCoubrey) with his unbridled energy on September 23, 1957, in Bennington, Vt. He lived up to his namesake, Allen, a nod to his Quaker ancestors, the Allen family, who were early settlers of White Creek, NY; and to A.W (Whitney) McCoubrey, his grandfather whom he idolized in the years they shared together.

He gained his brothers, Craig in 1959 & Todd in 1963. They spent their childhood roaming the hills of Washington county, NY, with the local gang or their Gazeley, Yanke and McCoubrey cousins, or traveling to the racetrack, where their father and Grandfather were owners, trainers, and jockeys. Allen shared fond stories of road-tripping with their grandfather, Clarence Masten. He said Grandpa Clarence would pull off Rt. 372 and nap in the truck. Allen and brothers would wander the hills to Shaftsbury, VT & the natural spring. The day always ended with ice cream.

Allen’s education began in Hoosick Falls, NY. His formative years included a Cub Scout career, and he received his high school diploma from Schuylerville Central School, which included BOCES introducing him to his career.  With the mentorship he gained from his days in Grandpa Pa’s workshop behind his childhood White Creek home, Allen became a master carpenter, working for many premier local construction companies.  He always started with a fresh toolbox, his talent was showcased at Rafters, The OBI, The Bachelor Mansion, Franklin Square, Lilian’s Restaurant, Starbucks, The Albany Airport, Nurture Green Salon & Spa & many more. Allen was also a custom woodworker with intricacies & restorations being a favorite of his trade. There was no project he couldn’t unravel when family called upon his renowned skills.

Allen married Linda (Malinoski) in 1976. They welcomed their daughter, Devan Leigh. A piece of his heart has rested with her, in Prospect Hill Cemetery since 1985.  Gentle, kind & sweet were some of the adjectives to swirl around Allen. He was adored by many, including Janice ter Kuile, the mother of his second daughter, Alexandra Masten-Williamson.

Allen remained a lifelong Schuylerville resident. His brotherhood embraced friends such as Bob, Tom, and Johnny. He was always up for an adventure, whether it was a white-water rafting trip on Fish Creek, he never said no to anyone, even if he did it with only one contact in. Allen’s beloved furry muts Bert and Cooper were his partners in crime for many years of his life.

At the stroke of midnight January 2000, he was joined in a loving union with Mary Lou Liptak-Masten. Allen & Mary Lou cut many rugs at the annual dinner dances & were known for being wonderful beach hosts at their vacation home in Holden Beach, NC. They spent many years road tripping to Quinnipiac University to cheer on MacKenzie, where she was a division one field hockey player. After 22 years together, another piece of his heart was laid to rest with her, in October 2022.

His legacy includes memories, teachings and masterpieces left behind to his children, Devan (Ed) Wood, Alexandra (Kane) Masten-Williamson, MacKenzie (Ben) Zarzycki, Jake (Lisa) Liptak and Justin Liptak; His brothers, Craig (Michele) Masten and Todd Masten; His grandchildren Harper and Mallory Wood, Madelyn and Barrett Zarzycki, Ethan Liptak, Maxx Liptak and Jason Woodard. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

“Pop loved his wolves, dream catchers and midnight snacks.” “A gentle giant with an even bigger heart” “Smells like Pop!” “No shoe Albert!” “Always rooting for the underdog. The Guardian.”

Respects can be paid at Flynn Brothers, Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Avenue, Schuylerville, NY, 12871 from 1 to 3 pm on Saturday, September 2, 2023.  His final rest will be at the convenience & discretion of the family.

A celebration of life & love for Allen & Mary Lou will be planned for a later date.

Donations in his honor can be made to the Prospect Hill Cemetery Association or you can visit the Saratoga Monument in his honor, which has recently reopened.

Online condolences and messages to the family may be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com.