Devoted and loving son, brother, husband, and father Dr. Todd Mackenzie Allen, Ph.D of Cambridge MA, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on September 11, 2024, at age 54.
Todd was born in Canada to Shirley Wilson Allen and the late Wayne Allen in 1970, and grew up in St. Catharine’s, Ontario with his older brothers Scott and Shawn. He received his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. He received his Ph.D. in Cellular & Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin before joining the Ragon Institute in 2001. He was promoted to Professor of Medicine in 2014. He is also an Associate Member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. He has published numerous papers, received untold grants, and contributed greatly to the HIV and hepatitis C research community.
Todd met the love of his life Jessica O’Leary in 2008, and they wed in 2011. Their wonder twins were born two short years later – Mackenzie Edward O’Leary-Allen and Sadie Wilson O’Leary-Allen. They were extremely fortunate to have traveled to many parts of the globe as a family, and even more fortunate to build a strong community in their home in Cambridge.
Todd was a scientist and a scholar, a beach-lover and a gardener, a thoughtful friend and an excellent listener. He was an introvert who loved to dance. He was a loving son and brother. He was an incredible life partner. He was the best papa in the world. He was so patient, incredibly smart and even more hard working. He was funny as hell and kept you on your toes. He helped those around him shine. Everyone who met Todd loved him. If he was part of your life, he made your life better.
He was a blessing to us all.
Visitation at the Rogers Funeral Home, 380 Cambridge Street in Cambridge on Monday, September 16, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
Interment will be at the Cambridge Cemetery, 76 Coolidge Avenue in Cambridge on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 10:00 am. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet just inside the main gate of the cemetery by 9:45 am.
A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday afternoon, at the Ragon Institute at 600 Main Street Cambridge, from 1-2 pm. Parking is available at the Institute.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Todd’s memory to the AIDS Action Committee (https://fenwayhealth.org/help/ ) or the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/en/ ).