Allen Gordon, father of former Senator, dies at 97

Allen Gordon, a World War II veteran and businessman whose son was a popular state senator from Bergen County, passes away on Saturday afternoon after a short illness. 

He was 97.

The father of Bob Gordon, a former state senator who now serves as a commissioner of the state Board of Public Utilities, Gordon ran his family’s yarn manufacturing business, Morris Gordon Yarns, based in the historic district of Paterson, for 50 years before retiring in 1991.

After graduating from the North Carolina State University textile school, he joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II.  His unit transmitted General MacArthur’s surrender terms to the Japanese high command.

After joining the textile company, he became smitten with his father’s secretary, Lillian Marlowe.  The two married and raised their son in Fair Lawn.  

Allen and Lillian remained married for 70 years, until Lillian’s death in 2007.

Gordon was an avid outdoorsman, and particularly enjoyed hiking and kayaking.  He built several kayaks by hand, a skill he learned during his Army days in Hawaii.

Gordon is survived by his son Bob, his daughter-in-law Gail Gordon and his friend and companion of recent years, Mimi Allen.

Funeral services are scheduled for 12:30 PM on Tuesday, February 26 at Louis Suburban Chapel, 13-01 Broadway in Fair Lawn.

Friends and family are encouraged to gather after the service for refreshments at the Railyard Grill, 14-26 Plaza Road North, Fair Lawn.